Daniel Joseph "Dan" Qualls, 83, passed away of natural causes at his residence on Aug. 15, 2011.
He was born March 6, 1928, the son of the late Ora Dempsey Qualls Sr. and Temperence Clark Qualls. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Ruth Mabery Qualls; brothers Ora Dempsey Qualls Jr. and James Robert Qualls; and sisters Edna Qualls White and Carrie Qualls Laborde.
Dan was a proud veteran of the United States Army and served his country during World War II. He was a retired captain of the Ashland Fire Department. Dan and his late wife, Ruth, were the owners and operators of Qualls Grocery Store on Eighth Street for 22 years. Some of his other interests included purchasing, renovating, renting and selling houses and apartments in the Ashland Area. Dan (and his apprentice, Ruth) were talented carpenters and craftsmen. Dan was an independent thinker who took on many jobs that appeared too difficult to resolve, but never quit until he had done so, with precision and skill. He was an honest and trustworthy man who loved his family very much.
Surviving are his sons and daughters-in-law, Jay (Patricia) Qualls of Ashland and Dean (Paula) Qualls of Winter Haven, Fla.; grandchildren Jason (Jessica) Qualls and Kathy Qualls of Ashland, Dustin (Courtney) Qualls of Albuquerque, N.M., and Colleen (Donald) Purcell of Daytona, Fla.; great-grandchildren Delaney Addison, Grayson Cael of Albuquerque, Liam Dean and Brady Cole of Daytona, Darren J. Qualls of Pittsburgh and the newest great-granddaughter, born Aug. 16, 2011, of Albuquerque; a brother, Donald E. Qualls of Russell; and many other extended family members who will sadly miss him. In addition, Dan had a companion and friend in his beloved dog, Mitzi.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, 2011, at Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue in Ashland by Dr. Ronnie Mayes. Burial will be in Ashland Cemetery, with military services by American Legion Post 93.
Visitation will be after 11:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Contributions may be sent to the Salvation Army, 2212 Carter Ave., Ashland, KY 41101.
Condolences may be sent to steenfuneralhome.com.
