Deacon Joe Quarles, 85, Passes Away in Bowling Green

Longtime church leader and union member remembered for decades of service

Mar. 26, 2026 at 8:27pm

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Deacon Joe Louis Quarles, an 85-year-old resident of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, passed away on March 19, 2026 at the Medical Center Health Hospital in Bowling Green. Quarles was a longtime member and deacon of the McCarroll Hill Baptist Church, as well as a 30-year member of the safety committee at Ebonite and a 40-year recipient of a service award from the Bethel Berry Baptist Church.

Why it matters

Quarles' passing marks the end of an era for the Hopkinsville community, where he was a pillar of the local church and labor movements for decades. His life of service and dedication to his faith and community highlights the important role that long-standing local leaders can play in shaping the character and values of a small town.

The details

Quarles was born in Todd County, Kentucky in 1940 and accepted Christ at a young age, joining the Bethel Berry Baptist Church before later becoming a deacon and Sunday School teacher at the McCarroll Hill Baptist Church. In addition to his religious service, he was a member of Union 350 and served as the union president for 1.5 years. Quarles also received a 30-year award as a member of the safety committee at Ebonite, where he worked. In his free time, Quarles enjoyed reading the Bible, building, gardening, and farming.

  • Quarles passed away on March 19, 2026.
  • He was born on May 2, 1940.

The players

Joe Louis Quarles

An 85-year-old deacon and longtime member of the McCarroll Hill Baptist Church in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

Bethel Berry Baptist Church

The church where Quarles first joined after accepting Christ early in his life.

McCarroll Hill Baptist Church

The church where Quarles later served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher.

Union 350

The union that Quarles was a member of, and which he served as president for 1.5 years.

Ebonite

The company where Quarles worked and received a 30-year award as a member of the safety committee.

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The takeaway

Deacon Joe Quarles' life exemplified the importance of community service, faith, and dedication to one's local institutions. His passing marks the end of an era for the Hopkinsville area, where he was a respected leader in both the church and labor movements for over four decades.