He received a degree in engineering from Rice University in 1941 before joining the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant.
In 1946, after completing his military service, Appling founded Independent Distributors, a Portland wholesale logging and farm equipment firm.
Appling served as the Multnomah County chairman of Mark Hatfield's successful 1958 bid for governor.
After the election, Appling was appointed Secretary of State by Hatfield, who preceded him in that office.
Appling was elected to a full term in 1960 (defeating Monroe Sweetland) but declined to seek re-election in 1964.