John H. Rapley Jr.

John Howard Rapley Jr., 69, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away in Santa Barbara, Calif., on Dec. 12, 2016, surrounded by family and loved ones.

John was born on April 10,

1947, the son of John Howard Rapley Sr. and Jimmie Lee (Penny) Rapley. John resided in Hot Springs until he was 8 years old, then moved to Santa Monica, Calif., where he lived until he was 18.

John served in the United States Air Force in the late

1960s, then found his way to the Adirondack Mountains of Up-State New York where he attended North Country Community College, as well as garnering his Welding Certification. He used his welding skills in the construction of large industrial plants, designing customized gates and fences, and occasionally creating “works of art.”

He enjoyed playing his

12-string guitar and had an extensive and eclectic film, tape and CD collection. He enjoyed history and science and was continually seeking the latest documentary on some important historical event or space discovery. He loved nature, camping, animals, small children and his friends and family. His creative imagination and playful spirit kept him forever young. His laugh was contagious.

He was a longtime active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hot Springs, serving as a deacon and elder, as well as having taught Sunday school, and was always available to assist those in need. John did not judge a person by what they wore or where they came from. He was generous always with what little he had.

As a young adult, he became a motorcycle enthusiast, which turned into his avocation by the time he had returned to live in Hot Springs in the early 1970s. He built, rebuilt and repaired motorcycles of all kinds, with his favorite being the well-known Indian Motorcycle. Both friends and acquaintances alike sought out John for his keen mechanical skills and knowledge of “bikes,” and his steady patience and generosity of heart meant that he always had at least two or three motorcycle projects going on.

John was a kind and loving son, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his sister, Suzanne E. Rapley, and his niece, Ari M.R. Janoff, both of Santa Barbara, Calif.

A memorial service celebrating John’s life and faith will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 23, 2017, at First Presbyterian Church, Hot Springs.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 213 Whittington Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901.