John M. Quarles, M.D., a longtime resident of Seaford, died Jan. 1, 2018 at his home following a brief illness. He was 90 years old. Born in 1927 to Robert and Nancy Quarles of Meherrin Va., John was the middle of three children. He grew up on the family farm in Meherrin. He attended Prince Edward County public school and then Hamden-Sydney College. His education was interrupted by his brother’s death in World War ll. At that time he enlisted in the Navy, returning to Hamden-Sydney after his Naval service in 1950 to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree.

He worked briefly as a chemist at Allied Chemical before attending medical school at the Medical College of Virginia. After his internship at DePaul Hospital, he embarked on his lifelong work as a family practice physician. He practiced family medicine for 50 years, first in private practice, then as a Riverside physician. He eloped with the love of his life, Betty Jean Tesh in 1956 and enjoyed 62 years of marriage. John and Betty have six children and 16 grandchildren. He was active in the Peninsula Academy of Medicine, the Peninsula Heart Association, the Hampton Roads Academy of General Practice, the Medical Society of Virginia and the Hampton Medical Society. He was a member of the Executive Committee of Riverside Regional Medical Center, serving as Secretary and President as well as serving on the Credentials Committee.

He was also a faithful medical care provider for residents of the Patrick Henry Nursing Home. He believed in giving back to the community by volunteering his services to the Lions Club, giving free physical exams for children and Boy Scouts and volunteering at the Gloucester-Mathews Free Clinic where he was still active at the time of his death. He was dedicated to public service and served as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors in York County from 1974-1980. He was an active member of Yorkminster Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and Sunday school teacher.

John is survived by his wife Betty, his sister Nancy Quarles Wornom and husband, Gerald, his six children: John and wife Sandy; Margie Stinson and husband Dewey; Lorie Jones and husband Kendall; Jeanne Brooks; Peter Quarles and wife Kelly; Dan Quarles and wife Jennifer; and 16 grandchildren: Sarah Bogese, Bennett Quarles, K.C. Jones III, Nevin Nguyen-Tan, Emily Quarles, Charles Jones, Ross Quarles, Luke Quarles, Hannah Brooks, Haley Quarles, Molly Brooks, Avery Quarles, Read Quarles, Jane Quarles, Danshi Antinoph. He is predeceased by his brother Robert E. Morton Jr. and his beloved grandson Lee Stinson.

John never had an idle moment. When he wasn’t pursuing his passion for medicine by caring for his patients, he enjoyed all manner of outdoor activities. He loved to sail, water ski, and fish. He taught himself to hang-glide by jumping off the dunes at Kitty Hawk on a borrowed hang glider. He had his pilot’s license, he played tennis into his 80’s and then took up golf which he played the week before his death. John Quarles was a man of great integrity who had an impact on all he met. He was well loved and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, Jan. 7 at 2 p.m. at Yorkminster Presbyterian Church in Grafton, Va.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gloucester-Mathews Care Clinic. Address: P.O. Box 684 Gloucester, Va. 23061.