Oliver Perry Appling, Sr.

Oliver Perry Appling Sr. (O.P.), 88, of Benton, Arkansas passed away August 9, 2023. He was born May 23, 1935, in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Hugh Montgomery and Eula Estella (Bennett) Appling. O.P. was of the Baptist Faith.

O.P. was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elsie Rose Ann (Markley) Appling; son, Oliver Perry Appling Jr.; brother, Herman Appling; sister, Dealva Wheeler.

O.P. leaves behind to cherish his memory: daughter-in-law: Shari Appling; sons: Alan Sr. (Tonya) of Benton, Arkansas, Mark (Glenda) of Bauxite, Arkansas, and Michael (Yoleah) of Mabelvale, Arkansas; his grandchildren; Alan Jr., Amber, Jeremy, Taylor, Hunter, Seth, Ryder, Bodie and Piper Appling, Candice Clark, Zachary, Justin, and Ben Ledbetter; his great-grandchildren; Kyle, Kenzie, Finn, Tanner, Bennett, Annabeth, Logan, Makaela, Branlynn, and Rayleigh Appling, Braxton, Layton and Maria Ledbetter and Jensen Jones; and a considerable number of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

O.P. worked in the automotive field most of his life. He was in the Marine Reserves as a Sharpshooter and was a PFC in the Little Rock 6^th Rifle Company. He enjoyed participating in drag racing, winning a trophy along the way. O.P. was an avid reader and a huge fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks. Later, O.P. and Elsie enjoyed auctions, flea markets, and antiquing, making many lifelong friends on their adventures. O.P. became an ordained minister to marry his only granddaughter, at the time, Amber.  O.P. loved being a pawpaw and a great-pawpaw.

Services will be held at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas, Friday, August 18, with visitation from 5:00-6:30 PM, followed by memorial service at 6:30 PM.

For service details and to sign the online registry please visit: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.