Tahlequah, OK - Leroy James Qualls, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, leaving behind a legacy measured not only in wins and accolades, but in the lives he touched.

Born to the late L.E. and Ella Qualls of Nicut, Oklahoma on February 4, 1954, Leroy was the oldest of six children. Leroy was a graduate of Muldrow High School, where he excelled at the game of basketball, averaging over 25 points per game. He attended college on basketball scholarships, first at Bacone College before graduating from Northeastern State University in 1979. After his collegiate basketball career ended, Leroy continued playing basketball competitively across the country with his closest friends. In 1981, his team "The Renegades" received national acclaim when they won the National Indian Men's Basketball Championship.

Coach Qualls began his career at Hulbert High School, where he taught art, P.E., and humanities classes. He remained the head coach of both the boys' and girls' basketball teams there for 16 years. He then became the head boys basketball coach at Tahlequah-Sequoyah for four years, taking the team to their first ever State Tournament appearance. While there he also served as athletic director and principal. From there, he served as the head boys basketball coach at Ft. Gibson for two years. He next became an assistant principal at Tahlequah High School for two years before becoming Tahlequah's head boys basketball coach for five years. After coaching both of his boys to their graduations, Leroy became a school administrator until his retirement.

For over 40 years, Coach Qualls dedicated himself to education and the game of basketball as a coach, an educator, and an administrator. To generations of young men and women, he was more than "Coach." He was a mentor, always reminding his players that who they were off the court mattered more than the outcome of any game.

While his career was filled with countless accomplishments, his greatest pride was his family. He loved his boys fiercely, guiding them with the same patience and high expectations he brought to his teams. He never missed an opportunity to show up for them - whether in the stands, in the yard, at the lake, or in life's everyday moments.

His four granddaughters were his crowning joy, and he delighted in every laugh, game, and visit. In their eyes, he hung the moon and he wore the role of Poppy with pride.

He took pleasure in a well-kept yard and he loved animals of all kinds, always ready to feed, tend, or rescue whatever wandered his way. When he wasn't outside, he was in his chair watching his favorite teams: OU, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Above all, he loved his wife, Sherry. Through every season, she was his constant, and he never stopped showing his gratitude and love for her.

Coach Qualls leaves behind a family who adored him, a community that respected him, and countless former players and students who will forever carry his lessons with them. His impact will echo on in every life he touched.

Leroy is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sherry Qualls; his sons, David Qualls (Paiten) and Matthew Qualls (Stevie); his granddaughters, Natalie Qualls, Katherine Qualls, Leighton Qualls, and Harper Qualls; his sisters Sue Qualls, Pat Smith, and Marie Tom (Kevin); his brothers Randy Qualls (Recie) and Glen Qualls, Sr. (Shirley); his brothers-in-law Chris Hamby (Kathy) and Bret Hamby (Cheryl); numerous nieces and nephews; and the many students and players he impacted which are too numerous to count.

Leroy is preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law, Alice Hamby; his father-in-law, Estel Hamby; and his brother-in-law, Randall Smith.