Whitesell-Somers Family Web Project - Person Sheet
Whitesell-Somers Family Web Project - Person Sheet
NameRichard Lewis APPLE 20,209,3,2,3,3,631,256,566,566
BirthApr 22, 1936, Guilford County, North Carolina3,472
DeathMay 27, 2013, Guilford County, North Carolina3
BurialApples Chapel Christian Church, 7345 Hwy 61 North Gibsonville, Guilford County, North Carolina3
FatherAmon Lee APPLE (1906-1966)
MotherAnna Katherine DAVIS (1914-1980)
Spouses
BirthOct 2, 1938, Guilford County, North Carolina3,472
DeathDec 5, 20123
BurialApples Chapel Christian Church, 7345 Hwy 61 North Gibsonville, Guilford County, North Carolina3
FatherAllie Norman HERBIN (1906-1995)
MotherBertha F. GILLIAM (1914-2007)
MarriageNov 17, 19563
Obituary Online notes for Richard Lewis APPLE
5/29/2013

Richard Lewis Apple
   BROWNS 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 Dec. 5, 2012.

   Richard’s legacy is carried forward by his two sons, Rick Apple (wife Cissie) of Browns Summit and Andy Apple (wife Patty) of Surfside Beach, S.C. Richard, known to his beloved grandchildren as PawPaw, is survived by Gena Turner of Whitsett, Drew Apple (wife Caroline) of Mount Pleasant, S.C., 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 Browns 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. He 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 p.m. at Apple’s Chapel Church on Highway 61 with the 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.

   Condolences may be made to the family at
www.wilkersonfuneral.com 3
Last Modified Apr 19, 2025Created Aug 21, 2026 using Reunion for Macintosh
Created Aug 21, 2026 by Terry M. Whitesell

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