John Wayne Qualls “Bear”, of Linden, Tennessee, passed away on February 20, 2026 in Perry County Nursing Home at the age of 71. He was born on August 12, 1954, in Hohenwald, TN, a son of Ruthie Mae Qualls and the late J.W. Qualls.
John was a bachelor and loved his independence immensely. He loved reading, farming, hunting, fishing, archery, watching movies, guns and knives. He thoroughly enjoyed visits with his family. He held multiple jobs throughout his lifetime with his longest career being a forklift operator and Graham Hardison Hardwoods for around 30 years before he retired in 2019.
He is preceded in death by his father J.W. Qualls; brothers Joe Qualls and LeRoy Qualls; brother-in-law David Scott; sister-in-law Camilla Qualls; uncles Hansel Qualls and Lonnie Qualls; aunts Peggy Warren and Gretchen Sadler.
John is survived by his mother Ruthie Maie Qualls; sisters Nancy Scott and Sally (Thomas) Mercer; brother Larry Thomas Qualls; aunts Jean Hensley and Judy Peeler; nephews and nieces Davy Joe Scott, Darla Scott, Kayla (Brock) Spears, Phillip Qualls, Danielle (Brandon) Clark, Daniel Qualls, Felisha Qualls and Kyle (Caitlin) Mercer; great nephews and nieces William Scott, Conner Clark, Jada Scott, Easton Clark, Mason Lee, Drucilla Spears, Bella Scott and Jenson Mercer.
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This obituary was published by Young Funeral Home.
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