Beginning at 11:15 AM on Friday, October 3, 2025, please use the link below to access the livestream of Mr. Quarles' funeral service:

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1OTI0NTQyMzM4MjYyMyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

John William Emmanuel Quarles began his life journey on July 21, 1934. He was the fourth of ten children born to Mary Jane Traylor Quarles and Joe B. Quarles, in McCormick, South Carolina. Heaven gained an angel on Monday, September 22, 2025 when God called for his beloved child John to be with him.

John was a devoted man of God as he accepted Christ as his savior as a member of Mt. Zion AME Church in McCormick, South Carolina.

Growing up John was a scholar and hard worker graduating from Mims High School where he met his soon to be wife Mary Parks Quarles and happened to be their school bus driver. Upon leaving high school, John enlisted into the military in 1954 where he served in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. He successfully completed two tours in Vietnam. He was stationed all around the globe from Africa to Europe and Asia. During his time serving for our country John received many accolades, highest honors being Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medals.

John joined a hand in Marriage with his beloved wife Mary Louise Parks on November 1, 1958. Together they shared 66 years of unconditional love and had two children; son Kenneth Merrill and daughter Myra Louise. John moved his family off base, preparing for retirement, in a home he sold to himself in University Place, where they also raised their grandchildren.

While stationed at McChord Air Force Base, John continued his education at Fort Steilacoom Community College, Southern Illinois University, University of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran University. After 29 years he retired from the Air Force as E9 Chief Master Sergeant in May 1982. There he pursued his dream of entrepreneurship by starting Quality Discount Supplies and Services, along with multiple other real estate, investment and business ventures. John was a member of McChord Protestant Chapel #1, founding member of The Golden Eagles Social Club, AMVETS lifetime member, 33RD Degree Prince Hall Freemason, Lakewood Elks member, and President of The Progressive Investment Club.

John enjoyed spending time with family and to honor his parents and grandparents he proudly initiated the Quarles Family Reunion in 1973. This tradition continues to this day as we just celebrated in July, 2025 in Houston, Texas. He found joy in life's simple pleasures and pastimes such as fishing, golfing, traveling, and playing a lively game of King's Corner, where his competitive spirit and laughter always shined through.

Beyond hobbies, John cherished his role as a grandfather to his grandchildren, Cortland, Quiara, and Quiana. He was deeply involved in each of their lives, always showing up for the big and small moments alike. From sponsoring and cheering at countless sporting events to chaperoning field trips and celebrating milestones. John's steady presence and unwavering support made a lasting impact on his family. His love, guidance, and encouragement will forever be remembered and continue to guide them for years to come.

He has been welcomed into heaven alongside his grandparents Jessie and John, parents Mary Jane and Joe B. and his beloved siblings Cleveland, Ruth, Inez, Charles, and Dorothy. He is survived by his devoted wife Mary Louise Parks Quarles, son Kenneth Merrill Quarles, daughter Myra Louise Johnson (Ed Parker), grandchildren Cortland James Quarles (Heather Quarles), Quiara Louise Johnson, Quiana Lenora Johnson and his great grandchildren Brycen Cole Walker and Colsen John Quarles. He is also survived by his loving siblings James Quarles, Helen Quarles, Florence Wilson, Thelma Christopher, brother-in-law Curtis Parks (Pat Parks) and many cousins, nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends. He will be deeply missed, however his spirit will live on in the traditions he created, the lessons he shared, and the countless memories he gifted to those he touched and loved.