of West Memphis, AR
December 23, 1936 - August 14, 2025
Alton Allen Appling, Sr., age 88, passed away on Thursday, August 14th after a short illness. He was born December 23, 1936 in Etowah, Arkansas to the late Lois F. and Carl S. Appling.
Al was preceded in death by his bride of 53 years, Judy, his daughter Debbie, his brother Aubrey Joe ''AJ'' Appling, his sister Joyce Burfield, and grandson David Ray.
Al grew up in Dyess, Arkansas. He and Judy began their married life in 1959 in Lepanto, AR, moving to West Memphis in 1966. Al was very active in his community and served in many leadership roles, including president of the Jaycees, JCI Senate, and the West Memphis Board of Realtors. He was the voice of Marion Patriots Football for two decades and coached multiple youth sports in West Memphis and Marion. He was a founding member and on the Board of the JW Rich Girls Club. Al was a founding member of the West Memphis Little Theatre, performing in plays and musicals for more than 30 years. He and Judy were famous for their dancing at events. Al was also famous for his birthday songs, reaching out to friends and family on their special day. We all cherish the messages he left on our birthdays.
Al was a lifelong salesman. He spent many years at Kimco Auto Parts and served as president of the Automotive Service Industry Association. He worked with his son-in-law Cliff at Wholesale Lighting, retiring at age 65. Al decided retirement wasn't for him and became a realtor with Crye-Leike in 2001, retiring in December 2024. He was named Realtor of the Year in 2007. Al also served in the National Guard/Army Reserve in his 20s and was a member of the American Legion.
Al was a man of strong faith. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in West Memphis for 40+ years, serving as Sunday School teacher and lay minister. In later years, he was a faithful member of Victory Church in Marion, serving as a greeter and on the prayer team. He was ordained in 2017 and found great joy in his ministry. He was known for his positive outlook and joyful approach to life. Al never met a stranger. He is often described as an encourager, mentor, motivator, father-figure, spiritual guide, fervent supporter, prayer warrior, friend and confidante. Al was a true inspiration to all who knew him. Whether you knew him as Al, Alton, Mr. Appling, Mr. Al, Big Al, or Big Daddy, you knew how special he was.
Al is survived by his son Allen, daughters Teresa (Garry) Montgomery and Susan (Kim) Appling; son- and daughter-in-law Cliff and Brenna Vest; grandchildren Joey (Karola) Montgomery, Jennifer Montgomery, Dan Vest, Haley (Brennan) Bryant, Kris (Scott) Grafton, Chris (Taylor) Appling, Anna Appling, and Noah Appling; great-grandchildren Grace Fuquay, Ethan, Kaleb and Carolina Montgomery, Georgia, Judah and Jack Bryant, Weslea, Sydney, and Emma Grafton, and Zander Appling; great-great-grandchildren Paxton and Meadow Fogerty; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family expresses special thanks to caregivers Kara Taylor and Helen Ross, who took wonderful care of Al, providing friendship, and compassionate and loving care.
Visitation will be held at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Memphis, AR on Monday, August 18 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and at noon on Tuesday, August 19th with his Celebration of Life service beginning at 1:00 pm at Victory Church, 897 Angel's Way Blvd, Marion, AR.
Memorial contributions may be made to Victory Church of the Midsouth in Marion, St. Jude Children's Hospital, or the charity of the donor's choice.
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24 Condolence(s)
CLYDE GOODBAR AKA: CLARENCE GOODBAR
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
I recall working with Al on a number of the productions with the West Memphis Little Theatre. He was an "on time" "hands on" man ready to help in any fashion.
I express my condolences to his family and can understand the losses as I lost Bonnie to cancer in 1990 and my second wife Rebeca in 2024 to cancer. It's a killer, sometimes slow in Bonnie's case and fast in Rebeca's case.
The community lost a great person. Al, RIP.
Donnie Haile
Monday, August 18, 2025
I grew knowing Alton. I am 83 years old. We attended Dyess Ceintral Baptist Church. Our families were friends for as long as I can remember.
I was with Alton on the beautiful Sunday afternoon that he met Judy Felts, the rest is history.
Rest in peace Alton.
Kenneth C Haremza
Monday, August 18, 2025
Al was a hard working member of the Arkansas Jaycees. We shared in many great experiences in Life. He will always be remembered. He is having a Fun Time in Heaven.
Den & Tammy Rogers
Monday, August 18, 2025
So sorry to hear about your Dad. He was truly a great man. Our prayers are with all of the family.
Samantha Neal Harrison
Monday, August 18, 2025
Brenna and family, I am so sorry to hear about Al. Praying for you all during this time.
Michelle Coulter
Sunday, August 17, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear about Al.I was so happy to know a great friend. He was definitely one of a kind.
Marla Alford
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Sad news of him being gone now but he is with the Lord. Miss you 😢
Nannette Whitten Baker
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Teresa & family,
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad. I know how hard it is to lose a parent. Please find comfort in knowing he is with Jesus. I’m sharing my favorite verse that helped me when my parents passed.
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
DAVID HALE
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Al was my Friend. A friend like the love of God - no matter what he was always there.
He was a blessing from God. I will miss him.
Holly Hearn
Sunday, August 17, 2025
I was in several plays with Mr. Al and directed him in one with The Little Theatre of Crittenden County. He was also much fun to work with! Rest in peace, Mr. Al!
jerome alford
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Al was a friend for many years, I will miss him at church.
O Wayne Watkins
Sunday, August 17, 2025
My mentor, my brother in arms.
You may rest now.
Cordia miller
Sunday, August 17, 2025
My condolences to the family am Mary Lous Banks friend from willowbend take care of her mother his sister Joyce Burfield
Gregg Ray
Sunday, August 17, 2025
He was the kind of man I want to be.
Norman Bean
Saturday, August 16, 2025
He will be missed Al was my classmate Dyess and I enjoyed seeing this post on Facebook
Pat Felts Nichols
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Rest in peace and of course with Judy. Remembering all the good times we had together in Lepanto❤️
Adrianne Ruffin
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Mr. Al was a realist every time I had the pleasure of his acquaintance. I recently got to really know him and I know he LOVED GOD,AND HE LOVED ALL PEOPLE. PASTOR Al as I always greeted him, YOU will truly be missed. 🙏 😢
Mike Berg
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Known as a great Jaycee for the state of Arkansas
Debbie Thompson Parnell
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Teresa,
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family.
Austin Henry
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the family.
Gary Burfield
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Uncle Al will be surely missed by many! I guess I'm the one that made him an 'Uncle' in 1951.
He's now with his wife, parents , brother and sister and many others in the great beyond.
Willis Forrester
Saturday, August 16, 2025
My sincere condolences to Al’s family. He will be greatly missed by everyone.
Rev George Johnson
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Al, our beloved brother; such a glorious witness to everyone, of the love and the joy of The Lord.
Richie Allen
Saturday, August 16, 2025
So sorry for your and family's loss.