CMST John W. Tapley Sr (Retired), age 92 of Midwest City, OK, formerly of Smyrna, TN, passed away in his sleep on February 12, 2017.  John was born on May 30, 1924 in Drew, MS to the late James Harold Tapley and Elizabeth Okie Byrd.

Mr. Tapley was a farmer in his early years.  He joined the US Army in May 1944 at Camp Shelby, MS and served in WWII.  In Sept 1947 he joined the USAF.  After having numerous assignments throughout his 26 year military career he retired to Smyrna, TN in Aug 1971.  John enjoyed gardening and attending church.  He was a member of Stones River Baptist Church in Smyrna, TN and First Southern Baptist Church in Arcadia, OK.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Lee; brothers Charles, MD and James; sisters Ruther and Christine.   He is survived by his children – daughter, June Rogers and husband John of Midwest City, OK; daughter, Linda Pruyne and husband Steve of East Smithfield, PA; son, John W. Tapley JR of Smyrna, TN.  He is also survived by 4 granddaughters: Lisa Hiel and husband Kevin of Jones, OK; Jennifer Decker and husband John of Athens, PA; Laura Arroyo and husband Alex of Burlington, NC; Angela Shelton and husband Daniel of Smyrna Tennessee.  He has 4 great grandsons, John Michael, Stephen, and James, all of Athens, PA and Colin Hiel of Jones Oklahoma.  And 1 great granddaughter Addy Shelton of Smyrna, TN.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Woodfin Chapel in Smyrna. Brother Joe Clark and Brother Dan Dale will officiate. Burial will be in Mapleview Cemetery with full military honors.

Visitation will be Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Woodin Chapel.

Memorials in memory of Mr. Tapley may be made to the Wounded Warriors.