William Appleton

Appleton, William F., 87, died early Monday, September 29, in Knoxville. Born near Nashville, he attended school there and at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. He was retired from TVA, where he was an electrical engineer. He was also a retired Navy Commander, having served in both World War II and the Korean War. A highlight of his military career was swearing his own son David into Navy service. Mr. Appleton was active in numerous organizations and civic groups, most particularly professional engineering groups, the local Cerebral Palsy association, Kiwanis Club and the Baptist church, where he was a long-time youth teacher and deacon. As a volunteer, he prepared tax returns for the elderly and indigent for many years. William was a resident of Fountain City, but enjoyed spending time with his wife and friends at his cabin in Townsend. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean Carson Appleton, and his second wife, Lois Adkins Appleton; son, David Appleton; parents and two brothers. He is survived by one son, Daniel Roy Appleton, of Gallatin, TN; one brother, Charles R. (Eben) Appleton, of Gallatin; a step-son, Doug (Pam) Adkins of Fernandina Beach, FL; step-daughter, Sandra Adkins of Loudon; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. The family will receive friends at the Lynnhurst-Greenwood Chapel, Wednesday, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m., with Rev. Kent Williams and Rev. Doyle Pruitt officiating. Friends and family will meet Thursday 10:15 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery for 10:30 a.m. graveside services, officiated by Rev. Randy Macon. The East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard will provide full military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee, 1200 9th Avenue North, Suite 110, Nashville, TN 37208. You are invited to share your thoughts and memories of William at his guestbook and memorial website at www.MeM.com. Arrangements entrusted to Lynnhurst-Greenwood Chapel of Berry Funeral Home, 2300 W. Adair Dr. 865-689-8888. www.lynnhurstchapel.com