It is with great sadness, Sioux Chief shares the passing of Michael Dean Stallings, a long-standing member of the plumbing industry and friend to many. Stallings was diagnosed with cancer in May of this year. He fought courageously, but with his wife by his side, he ultimately succumbed to his illness on July 28. Family and friends gathered for a celebration of his life in Stallings' hometown of Shelby, North Carolina.

Stallings leaves behind a beautiful family: His wife Donna, son Matthew, daughters Lisa (Craig), Jessica (Johnathan) and grandson Finley (Fin).

Stallings started his career in the plumbing industry in the early 1980s working for Plastic Oddities, holding various management positions while there. He later formed his own company, Stedco and manufactured a line of residential drainage items, of which Sioux Chief was a customer. In the late 1990s, when Sioux Chief purchased the assets of Stedco, Stallings took a couple years to pursue other interests. But his heart and head was always with the plumbing industry. Stallings joined Sioux Chief in 2001 and managed its Southeast Distribution Center. Shortly after, he became the regional sales manager for the Southeast. Stallings advanced into the role of director of national sales for Sioux Chief in 2013 and carried out that position with great success until his passing.

Stallings was so much more than an average salesperson — distributors and plumbing contractors considered him more of a friend and consultant. Stallings always made it a point to show them better, easier and more efficient ways to do things, regardless of the sales numbers. To say Stallings will be missed is a gross understatement — he is irreplaceable. He was loved by co-workers, customers and competitors alike. All of us will forever benefit from having known Mike Stallings.

Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.