Aubrey (A.J.) Joe Appling Sr., 90, of Mountain View, AR, passed Sunday, August 6, 2023 and was reunited with his childhood sweetheart and wife (Louise) of 67 years.

A.J. served in the Army and Air National Guard for 38 years, where he took part in the Korean War, Vietnam War and Desert Storm. He was also a member of the Honor Guard, showing great love and respect for his country. He then pursued to further his business, A & A Auction Service, as a member and the President of the Arkansas Auctioneers Association from 1970-2020, and held many offices at the Whitehaven Lions Club of Memphis for many years. When his boys were young he became a Boy Scout Master for troop 097.

Auctioning was his passion, he held them in many towns from Mt. View, West Memphis, and Mississippi for over 50 years. He was a staple at the Flea Market at the Memphis fairgrounds for many years and never met a stranger. He loved watching sports,he was an avid Arakansas Razorback and Memphis State Tiger fan, he also loved to watch westerns and you can't forget his wrestling (almost daily)! More than anything, he loved spending time with his family and friends, whether it be a holiday, building a cabin, going to school events for all of the kids, or just relaxing with his coffee talking to friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lois Appling; wife, Louise Appling; son, Aubrey Joe Appling Jr.;daughter-in-law, Cyndi Appling; and so many other family and friends along the way.

He is survived by his sister, Joyce Burfield; brother, Alton (Al) Appling; daughter, Marcia Preisen (Shawn); son, Carl Richard (Ricky) Appling Sr.;

9 grandchildren: Amanda Mansel (Richard); Joe Appling III (Lynsie); Christopher Appling (Angie); Melissa Pla; Christy Pickers (Richard); Stephanie Bumgarner (Rod); Carl Appling Jr. (Linda); Brandon Appling (Brandi) and Thomas Appling; 23 great-grandchildren and 2 great - great- grandchildren.

He will have a full military service to honor his time in the military.