William R. Appis III

William Russell Appis III, known to those close to him as Billy, was born on January 5, 1966, in Canton, Ohio. He passed away on December 14, 2025.

Billy spent much of his life working as an auto mechanic. He had a strong understanding of how things worked and was especially skilled with tools and cars. At one point, he owned his own auto repair shop, something he was proud of. Although he was retired at the time of his passing, his hands-on knowledge and mechanical ability remained a core part of who he was.

Billy was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lou, and his sisters Diane, Lori Cross, and Debbie Waldrop. He is survived by his brothers Terry Brown and Mike Appis, and his sisters Ja-queese (Queesy) Dightmon, Denise (Toto) Jackson, and Danielle (Jamie) Jackson. He always shared a special bond with his mother. His ashes will be laid to rest in Coshocton, Ohio, in the grave plot shared with his mother and his sisters Lori and Diane.

Billy was known for his sense of humor and his big personality. He was smart, quick-thinking, and had an easy way of connecting with people. He could make others laugh and leave a strong impression. Billy could be stubborn and opinionated, but those who knew him well also knew that beneath it all was a man who cared deeply. He was a good brother and a loving uncle. Billy enjoyed fishing and working with his hands, especially on cars, and had a love for simple pleasures and a cold beer. Billy will be remembered for his humor, his skills, and the unique presence he brought into the lives of others. He was loved and will be missed.

Special thanks to his close friend, Jeffrey Leon, for his kindness and friendship, and for sharing this photo of him with us.

Billy,

Thank you for always answering the phone. Thank you for being there for me, for your advice, and for the laughs we shared over the years. We shared a dark sense of humor and a lot of laughter, and those moments will always stay with me. Thank you for telling me all the time how proud you were of me and always asking about your nephew Avery. That meant more than you ever knew. You could drive me crazy at times, but you showed me in your own way how much you cared. I will always carry that with me.

Love, Toto

The Free Funeral Home of Coshocton, Ohio is handling the arrangements.

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