Richard Earle "Rick" Quarles
Richard Earle "Rick" Quarles
Obituary
Guest Book
Richard Quarles Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Richard "Rick" Earle Quarles
September 6, 1950 – November 2, 2025
The world lost a bright light and a beautiful soul on November 2, 2025, when Richard "Rick" Earle Quarles passed away peacefully. Born on September 6, 1950, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Dorothy Faye Townsend and Jack Russell Quarles, Rick lived a life full of music, learning, laughter, and love.
A proud graduate of the University of Alabama - Roll Tide! - Rick earned his degree in 1972 and began a lifelong journey of inspiring others as a teacher. Known affectionately as "The Singing Science Teacher," Rick taught sixth grade science and social studies, blending education and creativity in a way that captivated students and audiences alike. He was 6th grade teacher at Chapel Hill Middle School in Douglasville, Georgia.
His love for music ran deep. As a member of the band FM109, Rick wrote and performed his own songs, blending classic rock and country with heart and storytelling. His gift for making learning fun led him to share his music and knowledge with the world through his YouTube channel, "Science on the Wild Side." There, his songs about animals and science reached classrooms and homes across the globe - a lasting legacy of curiosity, joy, and creativity. https://youtu.be/eLLYgPec3ns?si=9ly6FoK5oQr5kYAd, https://youtu.be/q8BT1y9GvAE?si=xLSfeIwxszmYP0Lp, https://youtu.be/9FgfFjzdLYE?si=q7Xl9M4NbTphQA9l.
Every morning, Rick greeted the world with a sunrise. His daily Facebook posts of the morning sky became a reflection of who he was - hopeful, full of wonder, and always looking for the beauty in each new day. Above all else, he loved making people happy.
Rick is survived by his loving wife, Mickey Quarles of Waleska, Georgia; his son, Joshua Quarles of Douglasville, Georgia; his daughter, Jennifer Quarles of Acworth, Georgia; his brother, Randy (Fran) Quarles of Mountain Brook, Alabama; and his two beloved grandchildren, Kyndell Howland and Mason Quarles.
Rick will be interred at Evergreen Cemetery in Tuscaloosa, Alabama at a later date.
Those who knew Rick will remember his music, his laughter, and his boundless enthusiasm for life. His songs, his sunrises, and the countless hearts he touched will continue to shine - reminding us, as he always did, that learning and love are meant to be shared.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
11 Entries
Joyce White
Yesterday
Mickey I am so very sorry for your loss. Such a great guy. I will be thinking of you in the days to come. Joyce White
Britney Allred
Yesterday
I met Rick through Mickeys craft shows. I looked forward to seeing them every year. As I see Mickeys artwork for every season of the year I will think of Rick and how he brightened my year with his smile and his kindness. May he truly rest in peace. Mickey you have all of my love may you remember all of the good Rick brought to others and you and your family.
Denise Wellman
November 4, 2025
So sorry to hear of your husband´s passing. He sounded like a great guy. May those memories always put a smile on your face. Condolences to your children also.
Joy Cagle
November 4, 2025
Rick was a wonderful person and I'm proud to say I was one of his friends and neighbors. He and I shared singing and we entertained our neighbors and friends at many get togethers on our street and at our club. He teased my husband Ron about his loud cars and was so supportive when Ron passed away a couple of years ago. I will forever remember him. My love to Mickey as she goes through the grief and sadness.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Sean Leatherwood
November 4, 2025
Teachers get a "proctor" during state testing to help out. He was my proctor. When he reported to help out every year, he would say "Good morning, I will be your proctorologist for this procedure this week. Do you want me to wear gloves?" He could even make state testing fun! I was said when my proctorologist got moved to another class. We had a blast! He touched so many lives. Great dude and happy our lives crossed paths!
David Sims
November 4, 2025
Mickey, I am saddened to hear of Rick´s passing. He was one of a kind. I will not forget performing with him at school assemblies especially when he asked me to perform with him as "The Blues Brothers" and his always favorite "Christmas In Dixie" as he was always the star of the show. He was special and will forever be in my memories.
John Bogo
November 4, 2025
I am so glad for our 34 years together, playing music on FM-109 and making others happy. I miss him already. May his memory be a blessing to all.
Tim and Holli
November 4, 2025
Mickey,
Our thoughts are with you as you miss the amazing sweet man that Rick was.
Godspeed to Rick
Kenneth Baker
November 4, 2025
I have known Rick since 1982 from playing music and tennis where we lived. He became a very close friend that I have cherished for all these years. Rick was a very talented song writer and musician and I was honored to play in the FM109 band with Rick. He will be Missed.
Mickey Quarles
November 4, 2025
Rick wanted to leave the world with hope. After his ALS diagnosis, he wrote a song about ALS. At that time ALS had started to affect his voice and already destroyed his hands and arms but with the help of his brother Randy, they were able to take his lyrics and create a his song. It is beautiful and inspiring. Please search YouTube for Rick Quarles and his ALS song. The world lost an amazing man in Rick Quarles.
Jennifer Quarles
November 4, 2025
Dad I will not forget (even driving lessons, my bad ). I miss you and love you. Best father ever and your grandchildren smart. Science for the win.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
480 East Main Street P. O. Box 551, Canton, GA 30114
Make a Donation
in Richard Quarles's name
People and places connected with Richard
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Richard's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Quarles's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
