David Shepherd Apple

David Shepherd Apple, 75, died suddenly on Monday, April 29, 2024. David was born in Greensboro, NC to Roy Dwight Apple and Evelyn Shepherd Apple. He is survived by his wife, Emma Heyward Apple, daughters Helen Apple Edwards and husband Brent of Charlotte, NC and Katherine Apple Gaskey and husband Joe of Concord, NC. He is also survived by his brothers, Dan Apple and wife Judy of Franklin, TN and their families, Bill Apple and wife Donna of Todd, NC and their families and John Mark Apple of Burlington, NC. He is also survived by Emma’s sisters and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Roy and Evelyn, and two brothers, Dwight and Robert.

The third of six boys raised in a bustling, loving, faith-filled household in Burlington, David was educated at Walter Williams High School and was active in Boy Scouts. His love for swimming led him to Lifeguard and join the swim team at UNC Chapel Hill where he graduated with a degree in Parks and Recreation in 1971. He was a member of the US Air Force Reserve and spent much of his career as a salesman for Lance Inc. and a salesman in the maintenance supply industry. David met Emma at a swimming pool, encouraging her to join the YMCA to get better mileage and they quickly fell for each other over homemade grapenut ice cream. They married in 1979 and eventually moved to Lexington where they reared their daughters to be kind, faithful and independent women. David was a devoted husband and relied on Emma’s amazing culinary magic to keep a disciplined meal plan to coincide with his exercise routine; swimming 6 miles a week, walking 3 miles a day, and closing the day with an ab workout each evening.  Every year he organized a summer trip for Emma and the girls to explore the USA and the history that makes our country great. They celebrated each Carolina Basketball win together and Emma affectionately tolerated his loud outbursts of joy and disappointment. He loved Motown, Puccini’s operas, and singing in choirs throughout his life. David was a voracious student of American History and focused on Lewis and Clark, emphasizing the ideals and adventurous spirits of our forebearers and passing on his patriotism to his daughters. A lifelong Lutheran, his life was defined by his faith, his deep love for his family, and service to others.

Visitation will be held at Davidson Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 21 from 5-7pm. The memorial service will be held at Christiana Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC on Wednesday, May 22 at 10am with burial to follow at Pine Hill Cemetery in Burlington, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christiana Lutheran Church Endowment 6190 US-52, Salisbury, NC 28146 or Project Light, 1935 Jake Alexander Blvd W Suite C4, Salisbury, NC 28147 or the donor's choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Davidson Funeral Home. Full obituary and online condolences can be shared at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net

Condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net