The ball started rolling on June 26, 1978, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, when Cody Lane Stallings joined the game. Proud parents Gail and Gary Stallings wasted no time making him a "Brotha-Man" to his little sister, Amber Dawn. Together, they set in motion what would become a fierce companionship full of love, loyalty, a healthy dose of competitive spirit, and Cody sidestepping her back rubs.

Every Sunday, they watched the Fox lineup, wrestling during commercial breaks to see who could get thrown off the bed first. Cody loved traveling with his Nanny Sybil, always on his best behavior, knowing she kept a paddle close by her side. Wrestling was one of his favorite pastimes, especially when he got to wear the custom singlets sewn by his Grandma Ann. He could often be found rapping to the Beastie Boys or running around with his cousins, waiting for his next match to begin.

Mooreland, Oklahoma, is where Cody spent his early years, participating in Little League and making double plays that coaches weren't accustomed to seeing. He ran the town, rode go-karts on the gravelly streets, and looked forward to after-school visits with his mom and sister to Boiling Springs State Park. The trio moved to Bethany, Oklahoma, in his third-grade year, where he wasted no time finding a football team to join. He helped his young team win a State Championship and earned the award of Most Valuable Player.

Time went fast, and before long, Cody had grown up and acquired a massive band of brothers who remain dedicated to each other some 30 years later.

Cody's marriage to Jimmi Ann Alexander was a game changer and blessed him with two beautiful daughters, Rylee and Courtney. He was their first love. With the biggest heart imaginable, their daddy was warm, loving, and always ready with a big 'ole smile and kind words. He also taught them exactly how girls should be treated. They remember their mom floating across the floor because his dance moves were so smooth.

Some of Cody's favorite pastimes included cooking on the grill for his family, sharing stories from his youth, and teasing his girls with an affectionate, "What you talkin' 'bout, Willis?" He was stubborn, hard-headed, and wore his heart on his sleeve. Cody laughed loudly, quoted SNL, and could sing every word to Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. "Doll," "Baby Girl," and "Sugar" were just a few of the nicknames he had for his girls, and he loved confusing them by using the same one for both.

He spoiled his daughters endlessly, coaching Rylee in softball, giving Courtney advice about anything and everything, and being "Dad" to all the neighborhood kids.

His most cherished title, though, was Pa to three special little people: Preslee, Brae'lynn, and Kolter. He had nothing but pure love and swelling pride when he looked upon his grandchildren. He was quick to compliment his girls on being good mamas and always grateful for the young men in their lives.

Cody loved his family more than anything else in the world, but man, did he love his sports! Give him his OU Sooners, Dallas Cowboys, and OKC Thunder, and he was content to coach from his recliner with his best friend, Bub, by his side. He was never too shy to rally the team, clapping and chanting "Boomer Sooner!" with his friends.

Cody is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Bub and Ann Rosenbaum; his paternal grandparents, Clarence and Sybil Stallings; and his father, Gary Stallings.

He is survived by two beloved daughters, Rylee Stallings and spouse Jakeob Adams, and Courtney Stallings and spouse Tre'gan Slaughter; along with his cherished grandchildren, Preslee Swisher, Brae'lynn Slaughter, Kolter Adams; he also leaves behind his biggest fan and mother, Gail Stallings; sister Amber DeHart; nephews Ayden Jones and Logan Henderson; and brother Samuel Stallings; and his best friend Bub.

Time ran out for Cody on October 27, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 47. We will miss him deeply but will forever reminisce about his karaoke renditions of Sublime and Outkast, his booming voice leaving silly voicemails, and his sharp wit and infectious humor as he entertained us with "Fat guy in a little coat."

Just imagine him strolling through the Gates of Heaven—cool and collected, flashing that easy smile, high-fiving everyone lined up beside him while "Boomer Sooner" plays in the distance. He looks back and leaves us with, "Smile, baby, smile. I'll be waiting for you in a van down by the river!"