Our Caring Staff

Meet our staff, members of the local community who make everything that happens possible.

Ryan N. Qualls
Ryan N. Qualls
Managing Partner
Ryan N. Qualls
Managing Partner

Learning at an early age his passion for serving families in their time of need, Ryan has been in the funeral profession for over 15 years. He began his career at Higgins Funeral Home in 2007 prior to graduating from Polk County High School. 


Ryan studied Business Management while attending Roane State on a baseball scholarship and later earned his degree in Mortuary Science at the John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science in Nashville, TN.


"It is a true honor to be able to serve those in my community during the season of grief and continue the tradition of service that was laid out by the Higgins Family. We are committed to serving you with dedication and compassion and strive to make every service special and a reflection of your loved one. Whatever the time of year, when you need us, we'll be here for you."


Ryan is an avid supporter of both the Polk County Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers, serves as a City Commissioner for the City of Benton and is a member and diplomat with the Polk County Chamber of Commerce. Ryan, along with other community leaders is a founding member of We Are Polk County and is a member at First Baptist Church of Benton. Qualls owns and operates Higgins Monuments, providing the most affordable ever-lasting memorials.


He and Nikki are blessed with two precious daughters, Ivy Grace and Emma Ann.  

Bill Blackwell
Bill Blackwell
Funeral Director/ Pre-Arrangement Specialist
Bill Blackwell
Funeral Director/ Pre-Arrangement Specialist

A native of the Oak Grove Community in West Polk County, Billy Rex has been trusted by hundreds of each of our neighbors during their season of grief. He and his wife Sally have two daughters, Lynn and Leigh Anne. Bill has been apart of the funeral profession for over 25 years and has earned a reputation for his caring and comforting demeanor. 


Mr. Bill is a 32nd Degree Mason and is a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church (Conversion Church). 

Jim Gold
Jim Gold
Funeral Director
Jim Gold
Funeral Director

Jim has been in the funeral profession for over 40 years. Having worked at Higgins previously for over 15 years, we welcome him back to the family. He serves as a Funeral Director and Fleet Manager.


Jim is a valuable asset to our family funeral home, and is honored to serve the families that call upon us with dignity and respect. Jim is an active member at Eastside church of Christ in Cleveland.

Barbara Randolph
Barbara Randolph
Non-Licensed Funeral Assistant
Barbara Randolph
Non-Licensed Funeral Assistant

A life-long resident of Benton, Barbara graduated from Polk County High School and attends First Baptist Church of Benton.


She's been a valued member of the Higgins Family for over 3 years. She was blessed to be a stay at home mom until her daughter graduated from high school. Barbara has one daughter, Angie, who is married to Lloyd Crowder, Jr. Her most prized possessions include her two grandchildren, Brody Lewis and Hannah Crowder.  


When Barbara is away from the funeral home, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren who are the light of her life. She loves working outside in her yard, cooking and traveling.  


She's also a Team Leader with the senior group "Happy Hearts" here in Benton.

Arthur “Jr.” Hamby
Arthur “Jr.” Hamby
Non-Licensed Funeral Assistant*
Arthur “Jr.” Hamby
Non-Licensed Funeral Assistant*

“Jr.” joined our family during the summer of 2021. He graduated from Polk County High School and excelled on the athletic fields but through hard work in the classroom, he was able to pursue and enjoy a successful career with Olin Corp. 


He is a member of Delano Baptist Church and is an integral part of our staff. 

Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson
Non-Licensed Administrative Assistant*
Nicole Johnson
Non-Licensed Administrative Assistant*


Tracey Fox
Tracey Fox
Non- Licensed Office Manager
Tracey Fox
Non- Licensed Office Manager


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