Chick-fil-A worker’s memorial stone vanished from Dallas restaurant

A memorial stone honoring a late Chick-fil-A employee has disappeared from the restaurant near Love Field in Dallas. The stone, which was planted beside a cherry blossom tree, vanished approximately one week ago. It had remained in that specific location for seven years.

Jamir Ballentine worked at the restaurant before his death at the age of 21. He had been employed for several years and was on a path toward a leadership role. His mother, Keisha Ballentine, describes him as her best friend and shadow. Family photos show him dancing and smiling with his close friends.

After Jamir’s passing, his former coworkers created the memorial to keep his memory present in the workplace. They planted a cherry blossom tree and placed a stone with his name next to it. The site became a regular destination for Jamir’s family to visit and feel connected to him.

Louie Murillo, the restaurant operator, said Jamir was a star employee with a bright future. He believed Jamir would have made a great leader. Murillo expressed shock that the stone was taken, questioning why someone would remove it from the spot it held for so long.

The loss has affected the current staff, who still view Jamir as part of their team. Murillo noted that the stone meant a great deal to both the family and the employees. He said that when the stone was gone, it felt like part of the team was taken with it.

Keisha Ballentine visits the restaurant frequently to talk to her son. She stands by the spot where the stone used to be. The memorial served as a symbol that Jamir was loved and cherished by people beyond just his family. The empty space now marks where that symbol once stood.

The family and restaurant staff are asking the public for help. They hope someone who took the stone or knows its location will return it. Murillo stated that they simply want the rock back to restore the place where Jamir’s memory is kept.