Tuesday, July 17, 2012 9:30 am

 Mr. George Franklin Appling, 79, of Shelby, passed away Friday, July 13, 2012 at his residence. He was born July 2, 1933 in Spartanburg, SC to the late George Ernest Appling and Lillie Carver Appling.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three half sisters, Ruth Mayfield, Doris Harris and Thelma Gregory all from Atlanta, GA.

Mr. Appling is survived by his wife of 61 years, Julia Turner Appling of the home; one daughter, Julia Rebecca Appling (Becky) of Gastonia; two sons, Kenneth Rex Appling of Shelby and George Ronald Appling and wife Jamie of Boiling Springs; two brothers, Herbert Wayne Appling and wife Linda of Kings Mountain and William Larry Appling and wife Alice of Gastonia; seven grandchildren, Luke and Levi Appling of Boiling Springs, Hannah and Jake Appling of Shelby, Riley Lockridge, Will and Gracie Appling of Boiling Springs.

George’s motto was God, Country and Family. He spent two years in the Army and 28 years in the NC National Guard. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He worked 23 years at Fiber Industries of Earl and retired from Freightliner in Gastonia. He was an avid fisherman until cancer prevented his activities. Mr. Appling was a member of Putnam Baptist Church where he enjoyed greeting worshipers at the 8:30 AM service. George loved his church family.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to all the doctors and nurses who so kindly ministered to his needs these past years: Dr. Michael Ribadeneyra, Dr. Stephen Yates, Dr. Lawrence Pearson, Dr. William Shockley and the nursing staff at Cleveland Regional 4 East and also Hospice of Cleveland County.

Visitation:                        The family will receive friends Monday, July 16^th  6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at                              Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory

 Funeral:                        Putnam Baptist Church, Tuesday, July 17^th at 2:00 p.m.           

 Officiating:                        Rev. Bryon Glisson and Rev. Gary Marburger

 Burial:                                    Cleveland Memorial Park

Memorials:            In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the building fund at Putnam Baptist Church,

1146 County Home Rd., Shelby, NC 28152 or Hospice of Cleveland County.