Charlie Qualls

Charlie W. Qualls, 64, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023, at his home surrounded by his beloved family.

He was born on December 1, 1959, to the late Frank Abraham and Pauline Burns Qualls.

Throughout life, Charlie grew up in the Zion Valley and was a member of Zion Baptist Church.  He attended Benton Elementary School and graduated in the Class of ’77 from Polk County High School.  He worked at Hardwick Stove until 1986 and began at Bowater Newsprint, retiring in 2017. 

He was an avid fan and supporter of Polk County Dixie Youth Baseball, Polk County Wildcat Athletics, the Atlanta Braves, and the Tennessee Volunteers.  A few of his fondest memories include the countless hours spent on the lake boating and camping, skiing down the slopes, “chopping on” the Bravos, or singing Rocky Top.

If you knew Charlie, you knew he had a passion for mowing the yard, blowing off, weed eating, and washing his vehicles.  Over the past 12 years one could find him at “The OLC” awaiting his buddies to stop by and hang out.  He was loved dearly and will be deeply missed.

The lights of his life came along about 9 years ago with the births of his precious granddaughters, Ivy Grace and Emma Ann Qualls.

Charlie was a softball and baseball umpire for many years.  He was also a TSSAA referee where he called in three state tournaments, 1993, 1995, and 1998.

In addition to his parents, Frank and Pauline Qualls, he was preceded in death by his brother, Eddie Qualls, and sister, Brenda Qualls Efford; two brothers-in-law, Bennett Efford, and a very special man, Don Stone; beloved mother-in-law, Shirley Harrison White; and his much loved four-legged companion, Sadie.

Left to cherish the many memories include the love of his life, Jennifer White Qualls; children, Ryan (Nikki) Qualls, and Stephanie (Alex) Akins; cherished granddaughters, Ivy Grace and Emma Ann Qualls; one sister, Katy (Jeff) Couch, one brother, Danny (Gail) Qualls; sister-in-law, Lisa (John) Beard; and father-in-law, W.K. “Toddy” White.  Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends also survive.

A Celebration of Life service to honor his life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2023, in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home, with Rev. Steve Ross and Frank Lowery officiating.

Family and friends will gather from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

In honor of Charlie to some and Chuck to most, “On Saturday’s We Wear Orange.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Polk County Baseball Dugout Club at P.O. Box 188 Benton, TN 37307.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.