Billy Lee "Bill" Qualls, 86, died of natural causes at Wesley Medical Center, June 11, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. Independent and active until a week before his death, his passing was unexpected. Just three months earlier, March 12, he said goodbye to his lifelong love, Martha, to whom he was married 67 years. Bill was the firstborn of five siblings to the late Jake and Gladys Qualls on September 27, 1928, in Keo, AR. He served his country in the U.S. Army, was stationed at Eglin Field in Florida, receiving an early discharge in 1947 due to family need.

He had known Martha Hite since their teen years as their families attended church together at Hite Chapel. After his discharge from the Army, romance began to blossom. He dated Martha for about a year and, in his family's '41 Chevrolet pickup under their favorite elm tree, he asked her to marry him. She said "Yes" much to his relief. They were united in Christian marriage on Sunday, March 14, 1948, in her parent's home, by Rev. Earnest Sharp.

They lived and farmed in Arkansas until 1952 where Martha gave birth to their first two children. Wichita has been home for Bill and his family since 1952. God blessed them with six more children.

Bill took great pride in his truck driving career. He retired in 1991 as a safety award winner from Castle Metals. An avid outdoorsman, he greatly enjoyed hunting deer, birds and small game. He was an accomplished fisherman, landing both fresh and saltwater fish. He occasionally engaged in "Noodling", catching fish bare handed. He had a technique for marinating fish, removing the "gamey" taste.

A lifelong baseball fan, in recent years he was all about cheering for the Kansas City Royals. In some circles he was known for his abilities with a pool cue. For years he had a reputation as the best pool player in the Tri-State area.

Beloved by his family for his story telling, singing and song writing, two of his most recent songs are: "The Gold Rocking Chair" - written for his wife's roommate at the Golden Age Home in Cheney; and, "My Girl" - written as a love song to his best friend and dear wife, Martha. Mention his singing to anyone in the family and they will smile, saying, "he was an anytime, anywhere performer." He had an amazing repertoire of classics, spirituals and homespun story songs.

He is preceded in death by one brother, Russell Qualls, and survived by three siblings: sister, Geraldine Sellers of Cheney, Kansas; and brothers GW Qualls of Winfield, KS, and Eugene Qualls of Fresno, CA.

He is also preceded in death by his wife, Martha Qualls and their daughter, Donna Gayle Qualls. He is survived by seven children: Dan (Jo) Qualls, Coal Valley, IL; Brenda (Gary) Owen; Thurston (Tammy) Qualls; Tim (Judy) Qualls, all of Wichita; Nola Silver, Plano, TX; Randy (Frances) Qualls, Colorado Springs, CO; Della (Mark) Pruitt, Lewisville, TX; 17 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Celebration of his life will be Tuesday, June 16, 10:30am at West Evangelical Free, 1161 N. Maize Road, Wichita, KS 67212. Condolences at www.oldmissionmortuary.com