Michael Anthony Appleby, 80 years old, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born on June 2, 1945 in Corpus Chrisi, Texas.  to J.Orville and Clara Appleby, Michael  was raised in the South Bay area of Los Angeles,  He graduated from Bishop MontgomeryHigh School in 1963, and Loyola University, Los Angeles Ca. in 1967.

Michael servedhonorably in the US Army from June 1968 until June 1974. He was on active duty and served in combat in  Viet Nam from May 1969 until April 1970.

He obtained the rank of E5- SGT; he was a Radio operator and he set up Radio stations at Forward Fire bases. Among those: Quang Tri, and Khe Shan.

After his military service, he  went on to a dedicated career as a Systems Proposal Writer/Specialist at TRW Aerospace (Space Park), Defense Support Program, in Redondo Beach, CA.

Michael was An avid Tennis Player, Golfer, Fisherman, Bicycle rider, and general sports enthusiast his entire life; in his later years Golf took over as his favorite sport/game until the end of his life.  In every endeavor he undertook, he strove to master the game and to be his best always.

Michael was active in AA for his life, first becoming sober, working the 12 Step program and then working until the last days of his life to assist others in becoming sober and learning and working the 12 Step Program.  He was a faithful servant to many, in several communities across the US, most recently Memphis TN since the early 2000's to the last days prior to his passing. His Last Sobriety Medal from the AA community was for 39 years of Sobriety.

While his voice is silent, his message and his spirit lives on in our hearts forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his Aunt Goldie (Bob) Arthur, his Aunt Arlene ( Louis Young)[Uncle and later Step Father]), his Uncle Vernon Appleby, Uncle Connie Herlick (Joanne), Aunt Helen (Sid) Oliver, Aunt Laura Herlick, grandmother Anna Herlick, grandmother Lula Appleby.

He is survived by his siblings, Robert L Appleby and Sandra L Bumbalough, John Alan Appleby, Pamela J Waters, Lisa A Dickenson. His Cousins, Vernelle Finger and family, the Markes Family.  His Nephews: Wiley VanVoorst, Jacob Rodriguez. His Nieces: Haley (Jarrett) Miller, Hana (Hadrian) DuPont,  Katie Grace Rodriguez, Jessica Rodridguez. His Great Niece Tasha Null, His Great- Great Neice Violet Miller, His Great-Great nephew Finneas Miller, who were the light of his life.

Service Information:

High Point Funeral Home

3788 Summer Ave

Memphis, TN 38122

901-454-5795

Michael did not want a funeral ceremony, however
A Celebration of Life/Memorial Service will be held at Time in the near future (2026) in Memphis, TN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Salvation Army Women's domestic violence help Center Memphis, TN  a cause dear to his heart.