Joe Qualls of Batesville, Arkansas, departed this life on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, at the age of 72.
He was born July 22, 1947, in Newark, the son of Ernest “Hop” Qualls and Edna (Whaley) Qualls.
Qualls began his career in construction when he was 16 years old, soon becoming owner and operator of Qualls Construction. He retired after 53 years in the industry.
Qualls loved his work and was a hard worker with a strong work ethic. He taught his sons everything he knew, and they soon followed in his footsteps. He enjoyed drag racing, hunting, and fishing. His greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren.
Qualls was preceded in death by one brother, Buddy Qualls; two sisters, Lorene Wherry and Mary Dugger; and his parents.
He is survived by three sons, Ronnie Joe Qualls, II and wife, Kara of Valley View, Michael Joseph Qualls, and wife, Samantha, of Magness, and Kaland Neely of Amagon; three sisters, Ruth Money, Ernestine Allwhite, and Wanda Wilson, all of Newark; three grandchildren, Micha Qualls, Maddox Qualls, and Kadence Qualls; many nieces, nephews, a lifetime of friends; and his parrot, Paco.
Friends may visit at the Newark First Baptist Church Tuesday, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Funeral services will follow at First Baptist Church Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.
Interment will be in Blue Springs Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Joseph Ramsey, Rocky Gardner, Richard Crafton, Christian Smith, Joe Ramsey, Jeffrey Tate, Adam Pulley, and Adam Brewer.
Honorary pallbearers are Dennis Jarrett, Randy Vick, Brian Blake, James Weaver, Steve Looney, and Josh Lindhurst.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newark Funeral Home.
