John Riley Appleby Sr., 73, of Fredericksburg, Virginia passed away Friday, April 4, 2025, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA. Born on September 7, 1951, in Damascus, Maryland, to the late Harry Appleby Sr. and Marguerite Appleby Sr.

John graduated from Damascus High School in 1969. Upon graduation he began his career with GEICO where he later retired after 44 years. He had a love for classic cars and drag racing at 75-80 Dragway. He enjoyed working on anything with a motor, home improvement projects, building his garage, woodworking, and gardening. Later in life he grew to love playing computer games as well. He also loved spending time with his dogs.

He is preceded in death by his siblings, William Appleby, Harry Appleby Jr., Marguerite Appleby Jr., and Rosemary Burroughs.

John is survived by his wife Thelma Appleby of 50 years, his two children Suzanne Creger & husband Rob, and John Appleby Jr. & wife Angie, and his grandchildren Bridie Piper & husband Jake, Maddie Allison & husband Davey, Riley Creger, Nick Poch, Kole Creger, John Creger and great-grandson Landon Allison. In addition, he is survived by his siblings George Appleby, Charles Appleby Sr. & wife Maureen, Florence Rich & husband Gary, Thomas Appleby & wife Sylvia and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Monday, April 21, at Molesworth-Williams Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, Damascus, Maryland 20872.  Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 9250 West Damascus Road, Damascus, Maryland 20872. Interment will follow in Montgomery Methodist Cemetery, Damascus, Maryland.

Online condolences may be shared with his family on our website at www.molesworthwiliams.com