Johnnie Louis Quarles

Johnnie Louis Quarles was born on November 2, 1951, in Gurdon, Arkansas. His parents Herman, Sr., and Birdie Lee Joe Quarles taught their children the value of hard work, self respect and respect of others. He accepted Christ at a young age and united with Eastern Star Baptist Church. Johnnie graduated from Bell High School. He later moved to Lansing, Michigan we here worked for Fisher Body Automotive Company for several years. By all accounts he was a “jack of all trades”. He used his skilled hands to repair, fix and replace parts on several cars. When not working at the shop, he was the “go-to” man for after hour repairs. He proudly proclaimed that he was too good to be labeled as a “shade tree” mechanic. His reputation for proficient and timely work was widely known throughout Lansing and the surrounding areas. Johnnie and Margie were married in 1984. He was a member New St. Paul Baptist Church in Lansing. His hobbies included watching baseball, dancing and fishing. He was a person who didn’t mind helping anybody. Johnnie was the life of the party. One of his greatest joy was coming home to family reunions to share memorable moments with relatives and friends, both young and old. He will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and friends. He possessed a friendly spirit and never met a stranger. He meant what he said, and said what he meant. His natural wit and humor could never be duplicated. Family, as well as friends, will miss his dancing, smile and love, but will never forget his spirit and compassion. He passed into the Lord’s embrace Saturday, February 6, 2016 He was preceded in his passing by his parents; his wife, Margie Quarles (2004); brothers, Ray Quarles and James L. Quarles and sisters, Louisa Young and Bonnie J. Ross (2015). Johnnie leaves to cherish his memory: his son, Johnny Quarles, Jr., of Grand Rapids, MI; two grandchildren, Marquis Clapper and Elijah Quarles both of Grand Rapids, MI; his step-children whom he cherished as his own, Kerry Owens, LuWanda McClain, Joanne McClain, Jannett McClain, John McClain and Dionne McClain, 12 step-grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Lula Carroll of Malvern, AR, Mildred Anderson of Gurdon, AR, and Annie Mae Phifer of Phoenix, AZ; his brothers, Herman Quarles, Jr., of Gurdon, AR, Lonnie Quarles of Gurdon, AR, and Lee Andrew Quarles of Lansing, MI;; an uncle, Alvin (Nadine) Quarles; an aunt Essie Harper and a great host of nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends. He also leaves a very special and dear friend, Jeannie M. Wallace of Lansing, MI; his best friends, Freddie G. Hunter and Willie Gray both of Gurdon, Arkansas and longtime friends, Mr. & Mrs. Tim Smith of Lansing, MI. Funeral services will be held at Eastern Star Baptist Church in Gurdon, Arkansas on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Dr. James H. Giles, Sr., will officiate. Interment will be in Rose Hedge Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Friday February 12, 2016 from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m.