Paul Douglas Qualls

Paul Douglas Qualls, 62, of Cordova, Tenn. departed this life on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at the home of his son Jeff Qualls and devoted daughter-in-law and caregiver Nicole Qualls in Nesbit, Miss. after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Paul was born May 17, 1949 in Poplar Bluff to Jefferson D. Qualls, Jr. and Helen (Marsh) Qualls. He grew up in Poplar Bluff and graduated from Poplar Bluff High School and Three Rivers Community College. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army and did his basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Upon completion of basic training he was sent to Vietnam where he served from Oct. 6, 1970 to Oct. 4, 1971. After returning home, he moved to Springfield, Mo. and entered Drury College where he graduated in 1974. Paul returned to Poplar Bluff and began working as an insurance agent and eventually opened his own office. After several years, he moved to Memphis, Tenn. and continued in the insurance field. Paul built his office there and continued until his retirement. He was of the Baptist faith, and was a member of the Poplar Bluff Masonic Lodge #209. Paul loved hunting, fishing and spending time at his vacation home on Kentucky Lake.

Paul leaves two sons, Jeff Qualls and wife Nicole of Nesbit, Miss. and Christopher Qualls and Karly of Kansas City, Mo; one daughter, Cynthia Mignano and husband Sal of Charleston, South Carolina; seven grandchildren, Victoria, Jay, Adyson, and Wesley Qualls, Frances and Olivia Mignano, and the soon to be arriving Cooper Qualls; his mother, Helen Qualls of Slater, Mo.; three sisters, Mary Hoffman and husband Chris of Springfield, Mo., Kathy Whitlock and husband Harry of Slater, Mo. and Patricia Hickman and husband Lonnie of Poplar Bluff; a cousin and dear friend, Chester Michael Qualls of Arnold, Mo; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends and business associates.

His father, Jefferson Douglas Qualls, Jr. preceded Paul in death.

A Masonic Service will begin at 6 p.m. Monday evening, June 27th at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff with visitation following until 8 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 28th also at Cotrell Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Hwy 67 South in Poplar Bluff.

Memorials may be sent to the United Cancer Assistance Network (UCAN) of Southeast Missouri, 1419 Maud St., Poplar Bluff 63901 or WINGS Cancer Foundation, 100 North Humphreys Blvd., Memphis, TN 38120.

Family and friends may share an online condolence or memory at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.