Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 2/2/2004

William M. Qualls

December 29, 1932 - January 31, 2004

William McKinley "Hoppy" Qualls, 71, of Buckeye Road, Mishawaka, Ind., passed away Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004, surrounded by his loving family.

Hoppy was born on Dec. 29, 1932, in Walnut Grove, Tenn., to Elmer R. and Mary (Hopper) Qualls.

On Jan. 19, 1952, he married Mary (Martha) Wilkerson, who survives. He is also survived by three sons, David (Marcia) Qualls, Danny (Tina) Qualls and Bobby (Debby) Qualls, all of Osceola; along with three daughters, Gail (Kelly) Charlston of Edwardsburg, Mich., Janet Snell of Osceola and Becky (Ronnie) Storms of Granger. He is also survived by two brothers, Melvin (Sue) Qualls of Osceola and Charlie (Linda) Qualls of Elkhart; and two sisters, Edna (Hubert) Ford and Fay Benson, both of Walnut Grove.

Hoppy was also blessed with not only 11 grandchildren, with another one due any day, but also two great-grandchildren, six stepgrandchildren and seven stepgreat-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Pat Reeves; four brothers, Earl, Jammie, Grady and Bill Qualls; two grandchildren, Ian Storms and Tara (Hoffman) Qualls; and one great-grandchild, Toby Qualls.

Hoppy and Mary moved to Mishawaka in 1955, where he worked at Sports Coach in the maintenance department for 15 years. In 1995 he retired from OMC Boats of Elkhart, Ind., as a maintenance engineer. After retiring, he was a part-time equipment operator for the South Bend Parks Department at Erskine Golf Course.

Although Hoppy was an avid "Price is Right" watcher, he found his true happiness when being with family and friends. He enjoyed family outings, fishing and working in his garden. As the old family saying goes, "If Hop can't fix it - it couldn't be fixed."

Friends may call from 4 until 8 pm Monday, Feb. 2, in the Bubb Funeral Chapel North, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawaka. Funeral services will be held at the First General Baptist Church of Osceola, 11101 McKinley Highway, on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 11 a.m. Friends will also be received one hour prior to the funeral service.