Wylie Glenn Sappington, 95
April 16, 1930 – April 9, 2026
On April 16, 1930, Wylie Glenn Sappington entered this world — a one-of-a-kind soul, born before the Lord truly “busted the mold.” On April 9, 2026, he met his Maker face to face, entering into his Heavenly Home from Ashland Health and Rehabilitation Center, leaving behind a legacy as genuine and unforgettable as the man himself.
Funeral services honoring Mr. Wylie’s life will be held at 2 PM Sunday, April 12, 2026, in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home, with visitation from 12 Noon until service time. Bro. Steve Denton will officiate, and burial will follow in Academy Baptist Church Cemetery.
The son of the late Wylie Forest and Susan Blanche Cobb Sappington, Mr. Wylie received his education at Ingomar High School. Following his schooling, he attempted to enlist in the United States Army before ultimately being drafted in 1951. Proudly serving his country during the Korean War, he worked as a Military Police Officer, carrying himself with the same firmness and conviction that defined his life. After returning home in 1953, Mr. Wylie attended Warren Radio and Broadcasting, a decision that shaped the course of his future. For nearly fifty-five years, he owned and operated Madison TV Services in Memphis, Tennessee, becoming a familiar and trusted name to countless customers and friends throughout the area.
A man of simple beliefs and straightforward ways, Mr. Wylie found joy in life’s quiet pleasures. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting birds, fishing whenever he had the chance, and raising greyhounds and bird dogs — dogs he firmly believed were nothing short of champions. He appreciated honest work, good dogs, and the outdoors, and never needed much more than that.
With Wylie Sappington, what you saw was exactly what you got. He spoke his mind, never sugarcoating a thing, and stood firm in his convictions. Once, someone told him, “Wylie, you’ve probably upset a lot of people.” Without hesitation, he replied, “They probably needed it.” That was just him — honest, blunt, and unapologetically real.
The world could certainly use more folks like Wylie Sappington — true, genuine, and honest to a fault. While his presence will be deeply missed, his spirit and legacy will continue to live on in the stories told, the lessons learned, and the lives he impacted along the way.
Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Alison Fox (Bobby); his son, Frank McNeil (LaShon); his brother, Jerry Sappington (Julie); eight grandchildren, Dallas Fox, Katie Sosa (Armando), Dalton McNeil (Coleen), Jackson McNeil, Garett McNeil, Brennan Robertson (Ashleigh), R. D. Robertson, and Linsey Waters (Kenny); and five great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Allyson, Caroline, Sloan, and Eli. He also leaves a wide circle of nieces and nephews who lovingly referred to him as “Uncle Bill,” along with many extended family members and friends.
Waiting to welcome Mr. Wylie home were his parents; his brothers, Dr. James Norris, Dewayne, Kenny Sr., and Donald; his sisters, Betty Jo Hale, Vivian Dale Wood, Reba Luther, Iva Boothe, and Ellie Denton; and his little toothless, mean-spirited dog straight from the streets of Memphis, Hooter — a companion he truly loved.
Though his journey here has ended, the mark he left behind — bold, honest, and unforgettable — will not soon fade.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mr. Wylie’s family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Sunday
April 12, 2026
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral
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Funeral Service
Sunday
April 12, 2026
2:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral
