Mr. James William (Bill) Aplin

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Posted by: ChadWhisnant
Date: May 05 2014 2:09 PM

Mr. James William (Bill) Aplin, 92, of Samson, AL, has entered his Heavenly home. Mr. Bill passed away at home on May 5, 2014. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at the First Baptist Church of Samson with Rev. Sam Totten and Rev. Jimmy Eddins officiating.  Burial will follow in Eight Mile Cemetery with Pittman Funeral Home of Samson directing.  The family will receive friends prior to the service Wednesday beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Mr. Bill was born to William Allen and Mattie Holley Aplin on April 22, 1922 in Samson, AL, and loved his earthly home. He was born in a log cabin that was built by his great great grandfather before fighting in the Civil War. Mr. Bill was the fourth generation to be born in the home. Any time he had to travel he would be homesick before he even got out of town. He was community minded and served on the Samson city council for eight years before being elected mayor from 1984-1992. Mr. Bill continued to enjoy talking politics and would often solve the nation’s problems over dinner.

Mr. Bill enjoyed a long career as an electrician but never went to work a day in his life. He loved his job and considered it more a hobby than labor. He was not only interested in fixing the problem but in knowing the cause. He was very curious about what makes things tick.

Mr. Bill served as First Class Petty Officer in the Navy beginning in 1944. He served a tour of 18 months.

Mr. Bill was a distinguished member of the Fraternal Order of the Blue Lodge Masons for 63 years, a Royal Arch Mason for 57 years, Council for 57 years, Knights Templar for 42 years, Scottish Rite for 42 years, and a member of the Mystic Shrine for 42 years.

Mr. Bill was an avid Sacred Harp singer and was the Secretary/Treasurer of the Sacred Harp book company for 40 years.  

Mr. Bill loved his roots as a farmer and often kept property where he could raise some crops and pamper his mules. He enjoyed working with old farm equipment and reminiscing about the good ol’ days. A good day of fishing would cure anything. Mr. Bill had a zest for life that was contagious. He could easily charm people with his quick wit and sense of humor. He loved the Lord and was always thankful for his blessings. 

Mr. Bill is survived by his wife, Victoria Barfield Aplin, Samson, AL; son James Aplin and wife Jennifer, Enterprise, AL; son Donald Aplin and wife Carol, Hartford, AL; daughter Sandra Shortt and husband Curtis, Dothan, AL; grandchildren Paula Crouch, Smiley, TX; Marcus Aplin and wife Bridget, Cullman, AL; Briana Daniels and husband Bruce, Hartford, AL; Warren Aplin, Dothan, AL; Sammi Shortt, Dothan, AL; Stephen Shortt, Chicago, IL; great grandchildren Taylor Carrington, Smiley, TX; Jordan Carrington, Smiley, TX; Garrett Daniels, Hartford, AL; Aleia Aplin, Dothan, AL; Evan Aplin, Dothan, AL; three step-children, James, Sandra and Michael Tanner, and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his infant son Dewey Allen Aplin, son Lorne Kevin Aplin, brother Tommy Aplin, sister Faustine Harrison and sister Marlene Linder. 

Mr. Bill’s brothers from the Masonic Lodge 624 in Samson will serve as pallbearers.  

Please visit www.pittmanfuneral.com to offer your condolences in our online guest registry.

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