Bill (Billy) T. Qualls, 88, Iola, passed away Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015, at Allen County Regional Hospital in Iola.
Bill was born in Peno, Okla., to John Thomas and Carrie (Ritchie) Qualls on Aug. 23, 1927. He attended elementary school in LeFlore County, Okla., and graduated from Poteau High School. He earned his bachelor of science degree from Oklahoma A&M in agriculture education in 1949.
Bill served in the United States Navy during World War II with the 121st Naval Seabees Battalion. Upon discharge he continued in the Naval Reserve and later National Guard, retiring with a total of 35 years of military service.
On July 7, 1950, Bill married Lillian L. Watson at her home in Hodgen, Okla. They made their home in Heavener and Guthrie, Okla., Mankato, Parsons and Oswego before moving to Iola in 1957. He worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a conservationist for 39 years before retiring in 1987. Lillian preceded him in death Aug. 4, 2006.
He attended First Baptist Church of Chanute where his older son is pastor.
Survivors include two sons and their families, the Rev. Rick Qualls and his wife, Nancy, Chanute, and Dr. Randal Qualls and his wife, Cathy, Lebanon, Mo.; six grandchildren, Christie Hansen, Stacie Stich, Richard Qualls, and Aaron, Nathan and Brenna Qualls, and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two sisters, Eunice Baker and Bettie Qualls.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola.
Burial will be at Highland Cemetery, Iola.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Chanute.
Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola. To sign the guestbook online or leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com.
Bill Qualls
