Mr. Falls was born on March 16, 1935, to the late Willie and Rosa Falls in Birmingham, Alabama. He passed suddenly on May 9, 2011. He attended Ullman High School and Wenonah State Technical School, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree, B.A., and he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree, from Faith College, Birmingham, Alabama. 

Dr. Falls, Sr. met his soul mate and love of his life, Mary Helen Carter, while they were both students at Ullman High School. They were married on January 6, 1959. They were married 52 years. In 1959, Dr. Falls and his wife founded Falls Janitorial Service, Inc. one of the leading facility services companies in America. He received numerous awards throughout his life to include Outstanding Business Person of the Year Award for the State of Alabama, 1980. 

To those who had the honor and privilege to know Dr. Falls, Sr. it was an unforgettable experience. He never met a stranger. He frequently offered wise words of advice. He had a great gift of gab and would always say, “I am with you, riding or walking.”  

Dr. Falls called my office and wanted to meet with me about a matter not too long ago. We never locked down a date to meet. I regret that I did not have a chance to meet with him before he passed. I always thought we had tomorrow. I will sorely miss this great man. I will cherish my own personal memory of him forever. He was good to me when I was living and working in Birmingham, Alabama. 

Cherishing his memories are: his wife of fifty-two years, Mary Helen Falls; children, Rodney McClendon (Debra) Vanessa, Rena Falls (Walter Body), Lantrese Michele Perry (Steven Sr.) and Thomas Falls Jr.; grandchildren, Danyelle, Ericam Allyson, Tiffany, Candace, Courtney, Cory, Steven Jr. Lauren and Taylor; a great granddaughter Kukala; and a host of relatives and friends. May God rest Dr. Falls’ soul and bless his family during this time of tribulation. 

Greg Griffin is a freelance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his webpage at www.greggriffin.com

  In the words of my dad, “You must honor the chair whether it is sitting, walking or lying down.”