Richard Odell Qualls

Richard Odell Qualls went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 12:03 am, surrounded by family and held in the peace of God’s promises.   He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; a beloved brother and friend; and a faithful servant of Christ whose life was marked by humility, generosity, and unwavering love.  Born to Reverend Raymond Odell Qualls and Lona Mae Viles, Richard was the oldest of seven brothers and was raised in a home deeply rooted in faith. From a young age, his life was shaped by the Gospel.  He spent many years traveling with his family, singing hymns and sharing God’s Word wherever the road led. Church was not simply something Richard attended - it was the foundation of his life.  He served faithfully as an ordained deacon in the Free Will Baptist Church for many years.  Richard shared 56 years of marriage with the love of his life, Shirley Jean Polk.  Their marriage reflected covenant faithfulness, lived out through seasons of joy and sorrow  marked by devotion, perseverance, and deep love. 

He is survived by his children and their spouses: Keith and Jennifer Qualls, Tracy and Crystal Qualls, and Annetta and Darrell Bailey; His grandchildren Christina and Ethan Jennings, Brianna and Denton Hopkins, Jazlyn Qualls, Hannah and Austin Treat. Caleb Bailey, Shane Bailey, Shyanne Bailey and Tracy Jr Qualls. His brothers, Dale Qualls of Roland,  Andy Qualls of Roland, Stephen Qualls and wife Cheryl of Bokoshe, Tommy Qualls and wife Sharon of Booneville, Arkansas, Terry Qualls and wife Crystal of Sallisaw, and Larry Qualls of Roland.  Several nieces and nephews, and many cousins. Richard was also blessed with 6 great-grandsons; Wesson, Colt, and Anderson Jennings, Lincoln and Henry Hopkins, and Sawyer Smith-Lowder.  Five great granddaughters, Everlyn Qualls, Brynlee, Navy and Scottie Treat, and Ruth Hopkins. All of whom he loved and cherished deeply. 

Known for always saying yes when help was needed, Richard carried burdens quietly and served without seeking recognition. His faith was deep and genuine. Though he wrestled with grief and loss, he remained anchored in the Lord he loved, trusted, and served.  Richard found joy in life’s simple blessings - cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners, working with his hands, teaching practical skills, the color purple, and sharing wisdom through Scripture and example. It was always noted that if it wasn’t from the King James Version, it wasn’t quite right.  Today, we find comfort knowing the Savior he loved has made him whole , no more pain, no more burdens, only eternal joy. Though he will be deeply missed, we do not grieve without hope, for this is not goodbye, but until we meet again.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Mae Qualls; his sister, Carolyn Qualls; his granddaughter, Haley Lowder,  and his great-grandson, Remington Jennings.

A visitation will be held for Richard on Tuesday January 6, 2026 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the Eastside Freewill Baptist Church in Muldrow, Oklahoma. The family will meet and greet the public during this time.  The service for Richard will also be held at the Eastside Freewill Baptist in Muldrow on Wednesday January 7, 2026 at 11:00am  with Pastor Anthony Williams presiding.