Michael Phillip Qualls

Michael Phillip Qualls, 60, of Goreville, Illinois, passed away on November 14, 2025. He was born on August 14, 1965, to Gerald P. and Lois M. (Isringhausen) Qualls.

Mike grew up in Murphysboro, Illinois, and graduated from Murphysboro High School in 1983. He went on to earn his Master’s degree in Education, beginning a lifelong career devoted to teaching, coaching, and inspiring young people. While working on his degree, Mike served as an assistant basketball coach at various schools, including Joppa and Anna in Illinois, and had the honor of coaching alongside his father at Goreville High School. He later moved to the Richland R-1 School District in Missouri, where he taught high school English, including dual-credit college English and public speaking courses. His students will always remember his dry wit, his encouragement, and the genuine care he showed for each of them.

Throughout his years at Richland, Mike coached baseball, golf, and basketball, and also served as the school’s athletic director for a short time. Basketball, however, was his true love. For the past three years, Mike proudly returned to Goreville as an assistant basketball coach for the Blackcats—a role he cherished deeply. He was eagerly looking forward to the upcoming season. 

Mike is survived by his son, Kannon P. Qualls of St. Louis, and Kannon’s girlfriend, Ashlynne Dietrich; his mother, Lois M. Qualls of Goreville; his sister, Stacey (Frank) Kuebrich of Jerseyville, Illinois; and his niece, Alexis M. Kuebrich of Jerseyville, Illinois. He is also survived by many other beloved family members and close friends who will forever hold his memory in their hearts.

 He was preceded in death by his wife, Raquel Metzger Qualls; his father, Gerald P. Qualls; his grandparents, Pearl and Geneva Isringhausen and Robert and Dora Qualls; his aunt, Patricia (Qualls) Arbeiter; and his uncle, James Qualls. 

Mike’s influence, humor, and dedication will remain in the many lives he touched—his students, his players, his colleagues, and the family he dearly loved. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. at Blue Funeral Home, 812 S. Broadway, Goreville, Illinois. A service will follow at 5:00 p.m. Graveside service will take place on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Fieldon Cemetery in Fieldon, Illinois.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Goreville Athletics or the Heather Treat Memorial Fund.

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