Few people cared more for Natchez than Cappy Stahlman.

Friends and family mourned the death of the Natchez businessman who played an instrumental role in the community.

The former CEO of Stahlman Lumber Company, Stahlman worked with James Biglane to create First Natchez Bank, now United Mississippi Bank. Stahlman was also an active member of numerous organizations that helped make Natchez a vibrant community. He was also an elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Natchez. Stahlman also helped create and foster some of the area’s biggest events.

With James Biglane, Cappy also created the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race, now the Natchez Balloon Festival. The annual festival has become one of the biggest weekends of the year in Natchez. 

Stahlman shared his love of cars with his involvement in the annual Euro Fest Car Show. 

In 2012 Stahlman was honored with the Natchezian of the Year Award, a fitting tribute for a man who has done so much for the community.

Area leaders Wednesday recalled Stahlman as a man with a big heart and humble attitude.

Despite all of his contributions, Stahlman was not one to seek the spotlight, instead preferring to work behind the scenes to help make a difference in the lives of those around him.

“He was what I called a ‘solid citizen,’” Marc Doyle said Tuesday when discussing Stahlman’s contribution to Natchez and the region. 

Perhaps his daughter Susan Jane Drummond expressed what many in the community felt when hearing of Stahlman’s death.

“He had a larger-than-life presence, and I feel like there will be a gaping hole in Natchez,” Drummond said.

Although there may be a hole, we are thankful for all that Stahlman has contributed to make the community what it is today.