J .B. Qualls, age 93, passed away Tuesday, February 17th at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center.

He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy Shigeko Qualls, parents Frank Perry Qualls and Elizabeth Cantrell Qualls, brother Frank Perry Qualls Jr., and sister Eva Qualls Phillips.

Mr. Qualls was born in 1932 in Sparta, Tennessee. He attended Science Hill High School in Johnson City where he lettered in track and played football for the Hilltoppers before enlisting in the army in February, 1953.

While serving in Japan, he met Nancy, his wife of 65 years. He also served in Korea and is a Vietnam Veteran. He retired as a Command Sergeant Major after 28 years of service.

Survivors include daughters Kathy Qualls Buchanan and Diana Qualls, and son, Donald Qualls and wife Linda, grandsons Kyle and Chris Qualls (Megan). Also, nephews George, Frank and Brian Qualls, Wayne and Gary Mast, and special family friends Ellen Rochelle and Chris Mysinger.

J.B loved to fish off the pier in St Petersburg, Florida and enjoyed repairing old bicycles, known in his neighborhood as "The Bicycle Man". Throughout his life, he was hard working, health conscious and had a humorous perspective on life. He never gave up.

The family would like to extend many thanks to J.B.'s caregivers, the phenomenal staff at CLC Mountain Home with very special thanks to Brittany Cox, Donna Williams, Robbie Patten and Carly Thomason.

Graveside services will be conducted at Mountain Home National Cemetery (Historic Section) on Thursday, March 5th, 2026 at 1pm. J.B. will be buried with the cremains of his wife Nancy.

There will be no formal visitation. Military Honors will be by Fort Campbell Military Funeral Honors. Family and friends will assemble at the Cemetery at 12:50 p.m. Thursday. Condolences may be sent to our website: www.memorialfcelizabethton.com

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Qualls Family