Joe Appling

Joe Appling, age 81, of Northport, AL, left his earthly life Saturday, January 9th, 2021, at DCH Tuscaloosa with his 3 sons by his side.
Graveside services will be at 3 p.m., Thursday, January 14th, 2021, at Campground United Methodist Church, Samantha, with Bro. Paul Wilson and Bro. Tony Gunter officiating and Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North directing. Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. outside on the steps of the church prior to the service.
Due to the current health situation, the family prefers that all attending wear a mask and practice social distancing. Please take note of weather conditions as all activities will be held outdoors. The graveside service will be projected over a speaker and be available on a car radio frequency to allow those attending to stay in their car if they wish.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Peggy Lunceford Appling, and his parents, Lester and Elsie Appling.
Survivors include his 3 sons; Greg (Jamie), Sam (Tonya) and Rusty (Teia) Appling; his “other” son, David Baumhower; brother, Harold Appling (Carolyn); sister in-laws, Bettye Barnett and Linda Scales; grandchildren, Audra Rogers, Samantha Appling, Lauren (Tanner) Morris, J.R. Appling, Evan Appling, Emma Appling and Baylee Appling; 5 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Joe “Lizard” Appling was a lifelong resident of the Samantha Community. Joe raised his sons to be men and “Poppa” dearly loved and cherished his grandchildren. If there was any way possible, he was at any and every event they were involved with. Joe, along with Peggy ran Leck’s Welding for nearly 50 years. He could fix or build anything made of steel or wood. The steel creations he made for local loggers 40 years ago are still in use today. His birdhouses and wood trinkets are spread among many households. He was a charter member of the Northside Lions Club where he served in many roles including Ringmaster at their annual Horse Show. He was an active member of Campground Church and served on the cemetery committee. He was active in the community and continually served the public many capacities. Joe always had a smile, never met a stranger and was loved by anyone that spent any time with him.
Pallbearers will be his sons (Greg, Sam, Rusty), grandsons (J.R., Evan), and nephew Jim Appling. Honorary Pallbearers are members of the Northside Lions Club, the congregation of Campground United Methodist Church, and the lifelong friends and families of Samantha.
“Flowers wilt but the grass continues to grow”
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Campground Cemetery Fund, P.O. BOX 176, Samantha, AL 35482 in Mr. Appling’s honor.