Dr. B. Gray Appleton died peacefully at his home on Lake Chatuge, NC under Four Seasons Hospice Care on Friday, June 30, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Henly Appleton, his daughter Alli Appleton and granddaughter Elizabeth Gray Dillard of Athens, GA.
Born in Pine Bluff AR to Brown Garrison and Alice Gray Appleton on November 22, 1942, Gray grew up in the small town of Warren, AR. He graduated from Hendrix College in Conway, AR and the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR. In 1970 he received his MD degree from the University of Arkansas College of Medicine in Little Rock, AR.
After completing his training at St. John's Hospital in Tulsa, OK, Gray and Linda moved to Savannah, GA. There he and Dr. Ben McReynolds provided the first full time Emergency Department care for citizens of Chatham County at Memorial Medical Center. Throughout his career in Savannah, he saw many expansions and innovations in Emergency Medicine as a specialty, and the development of professional EMT's and other auxiliary staff. After retiring to Hayesville, NC and his beloved Lake Chatuge, Dr. Appleton occasionally worked as the Emergency Department Physician at Murphy Medical Center. He retired again in 2005 and enjoyed travel and golf as well as volunteering for CCCRA, the local food pantry and Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church.
Later in life Gray faced a difficult and challenging health condition with steadfast courage, a dry wit and sense of humor. He loved dogs, both large and small. . . .especially Jack Russell Terriers in pairs. As reading became impossible, he filled his time with CNN, televised sporting events such as golf tournaments, swimming competitions and the Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He was generous and devoted to his family.
Other family members who will cherish his memory are his sisters Nadine Appleton Van Orsdel, Pauline Appleton Hudkins (husband Lee) and brother William Roberts (Bob) Appleton (wife Barbara, and his brother-in-law Dan Henly (wife Sherri) and nieces and nephews. William (Bill) Van Orsdel (wife Ann), Beth Van Orsdel Kirke (husband John), Garrison Hudkins (wife Carolyn), Gray Smithey/Hudkins (husband Joe), Mary Beth Appleton/Rittenhouse (husband William), Laura Appleton Chau (husband Hanson), Carolyn Appleton Zinter (husband Kevin), Stuart Henly, Tommy Henly (wife Aime), and Clayton Henly.
Memorial services will be held Saturday August 26, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Sharp Memorial Methodist Church, Young Harris,GA with reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Donald W. Reynolds YMCA, 207 N. Main St., Warren, AR 71671 (www.dwrymca.org) or the Valley River Humane Society, 7450 US-19, Marble, NC 28905 (www.valleyriverhumanesociety.org)
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
Betty Lou Totherow 
