Richard Lewis Apple

Brown Summit- Richard Lewis Apple died peacefully on Monday, May 27, 2013 at Moses Cone Hospital following a year of declining health. Richard was born on April 22, 1936 to loving parents Amon and Katherine Apple. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Theresa Herbin Apple and was a devoted husband for 56 years until Theresa’s death on December 5, 2012. Richard’s legacy is carried forward by his two sons, Rick Apple (wife Cissie) of Brown Summit and Andy Apple (wife Patty) of Surfside Beach, SC. Richard, known to his beloved grandchildren as PawPaw, is survived by Gena Turner of Whitsett, Drew Apple (wife Caroline) of Mount Pleasant, SC, Patrick Apple (wife Maggie) of Charlotte, Taylor Apple of Hollidaysburg, PA, Gantt Apple of Raleigh and great-grandchildren Cierra and Mason Turner of Whitsett. Richard was loved deeply by his sister, Bobbie Apple Papoulias ( husband Tom), brother, Jerry Apple, sisters-in-law Becky Dixon (husband Jimmy) of Brown Summit and Patty Herbin of Gibsonville. Richard was a significant figure in the farming community in northeast Guilford County for over 50 years. He was a committed steward of the land and a protector of agriculture. His insights and perspectives were often sought out as well as his active service on the Guilford County Soil and Water Committee. He taught his sons to appreciate and demonstrate a strong work ethic. He lived out his love for his community, his friends and neighbors. He was literally and figuratively born to be a first responder. He was always first to arrive when a friend or neighbor needed help or compassion. He was a founder of the Northeast Fire Department and was honored for his distinguished service upon retiring from active volunteer status. His leadership and vision helped with the establishment of the North State Cooperative Warehouse. Richard loved supporting his sons and grandchildren in their athletic competitions whether it was football, hockey or soccer—he was there to encourage and support. Richard will be remembered as a man who stood firmly planted in his faith, his family and his farming but most of all his memory will be cherished by those fortunate enough to have traveled life’s journey with him and to call him Daddy, PawPaw, brother, neighbor and friend. A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Apple’s Chapel Church on Highway 61 with Rev. Allen Meyers officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to: The Jimmy V Foundation, 106 Towerview Court, Cary, NC 27513 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.