Justin Glen Appling

Justin Glen Appling, age 37, of Amarillo died April 30, 2026 in Hayes County, Texas. A memorial service to celebrate and honor his life will be on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Hillside Christian Church West Campus, 6100 Soncy Road, Amarillo, Texas. The Rev. Greg Corona will officiate.

Justin was born July 22, 1988, in Springfield, Missouri, passed away leaving behind a legacy of determination, ambition, and a deep love for life. He was the beloved son of Gregory Glen Appling and Brenda Jean Adamson Appling.

From an early age, Justin was known for his energy and athleticism. He participated in a variety of sports throughout his school years, always bringing passion, discipline, and a competitive spirit to everything he pursued. Beyond athletics, Justin stood out as a highly driven and motivated individual, demonstrating an unrelenting entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. While still in high school, he launched his first business—an early sign of the ambition and vision that would define his life.

Justin graduated from Lebanon High School in 2007 and continued his education at Drury University, where he earned a  Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in finance and management and minoring in Global Studies. His time in college further shaped his goals and strengthened his determination to succeed.

Justin will be remembered for his work ethic, his drive to create and achieve, and his ability to inspire those around him. His passion for life and pursuit of his dreams left a lasting impression on family, friends, and all who knew him.

While working at Clayton Homes, Justin encountered someone who would profoundly change the course of his life—Hayden. At first, he would jokingly tell his mom that he wasn’t quite sure she was the right fit for the business. Over time, he realized something much more meaningful: Hayden was the right fit for his life.

Together, they formed a powerful partnership built on ambition, drive, and mutual respect. They fueled one another’s passion for success, constantly challenging each other to do more, be more, and achieve more.

In 2019, Justin and Hayden founded Amarillo Home Center, marking the beginning of one of his many successful ventures. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to create and grow additional businesses, including Plane and Simple, MidMo, and Bella G Investments. Justin approached each endeavor with bold vision and relentless determination.

He often spoke of his goal to be fully retired by the age of 45—a reflection of both his ambition and his unwavering commitment to building a life of freedom and opportunity.

Justin faced life the same way he approached his business ventures—boldly and unapologetically. He had a rare and magnetic presence that drew people to him wherever he went. From a very early age, his smile, demeanor, and energy made a lasting impression. When Justin walked into a room, you simply knew—his presence was undeniable.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Justin loved deeply and wholeheartedly. He embraced Hayden’s two daughters, Kyleigh and Brynlee, as his own, loving them fiercely and taking great pride in being part of their lives. He loved his parents deeply and shared an especially close and meaningful bond with his father, Greg—a connection built on love, respect, and a lifetime of shared moments.

Justin had many passions, but two stood out above the rest: flying and pickleball. From the very first time he took to the skies, he knew becoming a pilot was a dream he would pursue and achieve. Flying became more than a hobby—it was a reflection of his desire for freedom and adventure.

And then there was pickleball. Justin fully embraced the sport, traveling to tournaments across the state and beyond. Many times, he, Hayden, and their pickleball family traveled three out of four weekends a month. While he may not have always looked like the most athletic competitor, he played with confidence and humor, often proudly proclaiming, “Fat man has wheels!” On the court, as in his life, he was a true force to be reckoned with.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Barbara O'Dell, Olen D. Adamson, Donald Wayne Appling; and his great-grandparents, Gertrude Appling and Glen Appling.

Justin is survived by his daughters, Kyleigh and Brynlee; his parents, Brenda Appling and “Papa” Greg Appling; his sister, Jennifer Dawn Treat and husband Dustin, and their children, Olivia Glenn and Cooper D. Treat; his grandmother, Kathy Appling and partner Kenny Dampier; Hayden’s family, whom he loved as his own; and his beloved and devoted canine sidekicks, Bella and Chloe—affectionately known as “Toters."

Justin lived boldly, loved deeply, and pursued his dreams without hesitation. Though his time here was far too short, the impact he made will continue to live on in the lives he touched, the businesses he built, and the love he gave so freely.

The family suggest that memorials be made at any Branch of First Bank Southwest, attention Stacy Morain, towards a  benefit fund for Kyleigh Turner and Brynlee Lopez.