James Walter "Walt" Qualls Sr., 70, of Sparta, passed away Sept. 18, 2020, at his residence.
Mr. Qualls was born Oct. 2, 1949, in White County, to Clay Qualls and Aline Reece Qualls.
He worked as a brick mason and lawn care provider for 40 years, including the grounds of Hunter Funeral Home. He enjoyed watching golf, NASCAR, and western movies. He was a dedicated family man and a collector of knives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clay Qualls and Aline Reece Qualls; sisters, Barbara Reece, Shirley Baker Qualls; and brothers Ronnie Dale Qualls and Kenneth Qualls.
Survivors left to cherish his memory include his wife, Bernie Smith Qualls, of Sparta; daughters, Maggie Smith, Angela Qualls, both of Sparta; son, James W. "Bbo" Qualls Jr., of Sparta; grandchildren, Michael Smith, Breanna (Jared) Davis, Jordan, Thomas, Steven, Nick, and Brayden Qualls, Jacob Nash; cousin who was like a brother, Sonny (Peggy) Reece, of Sparta; brother, Sammy Qualls, of Dayton, Tennessee; sister, Teresa Ollinger, of Dayton, Tennessee; sister-in-law, Diane Qualls, of Dayton, Tennessee; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral service will be 4 p.m., Sept. 24, 2020, at Hunter Funeral Home, with burial in Highland Cemetery. The family will receive friends 2-4 p.m., Sept. 24, at the funeral home Nick Holman will officiate.
Mr. Qualls’ grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
