Barclay Joe Sappington was born October 26, 1937, to Milton "Lester" and Lura Sappington. He was one of six children. He had two brothers Norman and Lester Leo "Sonny" and three sisters Ruby, Dorothy, and Helen. Barclay grew up in Brahman, Oklahoma and attended Newkirk Schools. During his high school years Barclay was a football and track and field star. He even set a state record. It is said Barclay's nickname on the football team was "Wheels" because when he hit the field he could really go. Barclay graduated from Newkirk High School in 1956 and attended his 60-year reunion.

After graduation Barclay went on to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor and helping others. He earned his doctorate from the Kansas City College of Osteopathy and Surgery on May 26, 1965. Dr. Sappington moved his family to Tulsa, Oklahoma and joined with several colleagues to build and open Doctors Family Clinic at 8523 E. 11th Street, in 1968. Dr. Sappington would continue to care for his patients in this same building for the next 55 years.

Dr. Sappington was on the board of Oklahoma Osteopathic Hospital, which later became Tulsa Regional Medical Center. Dr. Sappington was a member of the American Osteopathic Association, Oklahoma Osteopathic Association, Tulsa Osteopathic Medical Society and Osteopathic Founders Foundation.

Dr. Sappington, or as most called him "Doc," was someone who valued connections with people and built his practice around those connections. Doc was known for always running a little bit behind because he would treat his patients, but then he would want to catch up on how they were doing, how their family was doing and just listen to the stories they would tell him. Dr. Sappington took great pride in having delivered and treated generations of patients. Doc had a gift, a passion, he cared deeply and gave to so many it didn't matter if it was his family, a friend, a patient or even someone on the street. He valued all connections and served others.

Barclay loved football and especially loved OU football. During the season you could often find Barclay watching the game on Saturdays. Barclay attended the 1985 National Championship game when OU won. There was always good fun, teasing and ribbing between Dr. Sappington and Dr. Campbell, as Dr. Campbell loves OSU. The hallways of their office were lined with respective decor and the week of bedlam always brought lots of laughs.

Barclay grew up on a farm and always loved animals; especially, horses. In 1977, Barclay bought 40 acres in Broken Arrow which became named "The farm". Barclay's love for animals showed through when the barn and fence were built before the family home. Over the years Barclay owned several racehorses and enjoyed being a part of the racing community. Barclay also enjoyed attending PBR events with family.

Barclay's son and grandson both recalled almost every Saturday morning Barclay could be found in a local cafe sitting around a table with his friends from all facets of his life drinking coffee. Both his son and grandson said it was an honor to be invited to go with him and get to listen to all the conversations and stories that were told. The discussions were lively and likely all the world's problems were solved at those tables. Barclay appreciated and cherished all his friendships and connections.

Barclay had four children, twelve grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. He was known as Dad to his children and Poppy to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Barclay's family loved to visit him at the farm. He was often found in the breakfast nook sitting at the table where he could see who was coming through the door to visit. Poppy enjoyed taking all the children for rides on the tractor and four wheelers around the farm. Poppy spent time showing the grandchildren how to fish at the pond and taking them on all sorts of adventures. Barclay's son and daughter both often tell the story of him having found a fawn while mowing the pasture and then having kept the deer, nursing him to health and raising Bucky until he was adopted by the zoo.

Barclay loved the holidays, and his home was always open to family and friends. The 4th of July was the best at the farm with lots of delicious food and so many fireworks. Thanksgiving and Christmas traditionally started with breakfast and his famous sausage gravy and was followed by a day full of stories, laughter, and love.

Dr. Barclay Joe Sappington entered eternal life on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Dr Barclay Joe Sappington will be laid to rest at Dick Duck Cemetery, Catoosa, Oklahoma.

Dr. Barclay Joe Sappington was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Sappington, his parents Lester and Lura and his siblings Norman, Sonny, Ruby, and Helen.

Dr. Barclay Joe Sappington is survived by his sister Dorothy Sappington Pflueger, son Larry and wife Dana of Florida, grandson Eric and wife Jenn and two great grandsons Cassius and Julian and grandson Adam, son Gary and wife Cynthia of Kansas City, grandson Christopher and wife Tiffany, great-granddaughters Morgan and Valerie and great-grandson Noah, step great-grandson Dylan and step great-granddaughter Sadie, grandson Jacob, great-grandson Luke and great-granddaughter Scarlett, grandson Andrew and wife Catherine and great-granddaughter Ayanna and great-grandchild due to arrive in April, granddaughter Kelly, son Troy and wife Tiffany, grandson Clay and wife Ashley and two great-grandsons Logan and Trey, step-grandson Caleb and wife Hannah and great-grandson Hudson and step-granddaughter Heather, daughter Lisa and husband Brad, step-grandson Bradley and wife Cheyenne and great-grandson Brady and great-granddaughter Blakey due to arrive in March, granddaughter Lauren and granddaughter Alix, and countless family, friends, patients and colleagues.

"Barclay," "Doc," "Barc," "Dad," "Poppy" loved and cared for so many, and our lives are better for having been blessed enough to know him. His office and home were havens. His stories were the best. He was a great man and built a legacy that will inspire generations to love, give and care for others just as he did.

Viewing Time: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Moore's Eastlawn Chapel.

Visitation Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Moore's Eastlawn Chapel.

Funeral Time: 11:00 AM Friday, November 3, 2023 at Moore's Eastlawn Chapel.

Interment: Dick Duck Cemetery in Catoosa, OK.

Moore's Eastlawn Chapel, 1908 South Memorial Dr. Tulsa, OK 74112. 918-622-1155.