Richard "Rick" J. Qualls, Sr.

In Loving Memory of Pastor Richard John Qualls Sr. September 13, 1953 – April 23, 2025

With deep sorrow and profound hope in Christ, we announce the passing of Pastor Richard John Qualls Sr., who was born in Port Townsend, Washington, on September 13, 1953, and entered into the presence of his Savior on April 23, 2025.

Richard was the beloved husband of Verna Qualls for 53 years—a union rooted in faith and overflowing with love. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jackie White, and his precious daughter, Tracy Qualls, and now joins them at the feet of Jesus.

A man after God's own heart, Richard dedicated his life to serving others through the love of Jesus Christ. After graduating from Port Townsend High School in 1971, he moved to Bellingham, WA, where he and Verna would begin a lifelong journey of ministry and mission.

Richard and Verna pastored faithfully in Bellingham from 1972 until his passing, shepherding many with wisdom, compassion, and truth. For two years, they ran a men’s home for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts, embodying Christ’s heart for restoration and redemption. In March 1979, they answered the call to missions and served in the Philippines until June 1982—though his heart never left, returning many times to minister to the land and people he so dearly loved.

He served as a part of the Ministers Fellowship International and was honored to be the President of the WWBC Conference of Churches. As Superintendent, he supported and guided churches across California, Oregon, and Washington with vision and steadfast leadership.

Richard’s legacy continues through his children and grandchildren, who carry his fire for God into the next generation:

• - Lori Kimball (preceded in death by Brian Kimball) and their children Austin, Brandon, and Kenzi Kimball
• - Tracy Qualls (deceased)
• - Lisa Russell and Schad Russell, and their children Taylor (Madyson), Kylie, and Trayci Douglas (Joshua) with their children Jackson, Adelina, and Baby Douglas due in August
• - RJ Qualls and Alysia Qualls, and their children Alexis, Kate, Makaila, and Trey
• - Jeremy Qualls and Cassy Qualls, and their children Blakely, Rory, and Teddy

To those who knew him, Pastor Rick was a pillar of strength, humility, and unwavering faith. His life was marked by his passion for the Word, his love for people, and his fervent pursuit of God’s Kingdom on earth.

As 2 Timothy 4:7 so beautifully declares: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

A celebration of Rick’s life and ministry will be held on at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 17, at Christ the King Bellingham, where we will rejoice together in the eternal impact of a life well lived for Jesus.

Until we meet again in glory, your legacy lives on.