Millcreek, Utah - Bill was born on Maxwell Air Base in Montgomery, AL to W.E. Gene Stalnaker and Frances Gertrude Stalnaker in 1944. In 1950, after Gene returned home to the family, having been serving abroad, Frances had another son, giving Bill a brother, John. Bill attended K-12 in West Virginia and graduated from Weston High School in 1962. Bill joined the school band in 4th grade and his love for band grew. He decided very young that he wanted to be a band director. He primarily played the Clarinet, but eventually learned other woodwind instruments so he could teach children how to play them.

He attended Glenville State College in WV and transferred to Marshall University, graduating in 1966 with a BA in Music Education. Bill taught Instrumental music in both Steubenville and Indian Creek school districts starting in 1962 and was passionate about being a band director. While working for the school districts Bill met his wife, Barbara. She was also a teacher. They married in 1967. While working, he graduated from the University of Dayton, OH in 1982 with a Masters in secondary Education. Bill was a life member of Phi Mu Alpha Symphonia, a member of the National Education Association, Music Educators National Conference and received O.M.E.A. Distinguished Service Award in 1992. He retired in 1997, and moved to Las Vegas. Bill and Barbara were blessed with the ability to travel all over the country and even abroad. They loved visiting the National Parks here in the west, and for many years spent the month of July in the mountains of Utah staying in the Peugh's Cabin. Although Barbara and Bill had no children of their own, they always said, when asked, that all the children they taught were 'their children'. Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara Jean, his brother's family; John Stalnaker and his wife Ruth Ann (Skergan), their children Matthew Fisher Stalnaker, Nathan Paul Stalnaker and Katherine Lee Jockers.

After moving to Las Vegas, NV, Bill and Barbara joined Grace in the Desert Episcopal Church in Summerlin and became very active. They were very involved in the annual fundraising Gala which helped, after many years of fundraising, to build a church building. At Grace they made many lasting friends, and really loved living in the Desert. In February 2025, Bill, having been diagnosed with Parkinson's several years earlier, and Barbara moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to an assisted Living facility. They were now closer to their 'adopted' family, The Peugh's. They had fun meeting and making new friends, but sadly Bill's health continued to deteriorate.

Bill was loved by many, respected by everyone he met and will be greatly missed. His adopted family, the Peugh's affectionately calling him and his wife, Barbie and Ken or B & B, will forever miss him.