Dr. David Apple

In 2004 after I first arrived at The Shepherd Center I was given a 1% of ever walking again…. I met Dr. Apple in the Gym at 7:00am each morning for mutual workouts and he got to know me and he gave me a 40% chance of walking again…. Love love the Hope he gave me!!

I first met David and his wife Jane at Tiger Mountain Vineyards. I'm a landscape photographer and David enjoyed my photos. I made him slideshow of my images he could run on his computer so he could keep these beloved mountains with him in Atlanta, Whenever they were up here in Rabun County and I would see him at a restaurant, I'd point to him and tell my friends, "that man is the coolest guy in the room." And I was always happy to explain why. Rest in peace, good doctor!

Dr. Apple and I were friends and colleagues for 50 years. We shared an office in the early days and were fellow project directors of the Spinal Cord Injury Model System at Shepherd Center from 1982 forward. This federal award, which totals millions of dollars, marked the first time Shepherd received federal funding, and effectively started the research program at Shepherd. Dr. Apple and I were also partners in the work of the American Spinal Injury Association. He was a board member for many years, and served as President from 1983-1985. I was the ASIA Executive Director and together, we grew the organization to prominence. The journal we founded and edited for 17 years, is now the official journal of ASIA. We traveled together for all three of these endeavors over decades. When we were on different flights, or in different seats on the sane plane, as we parted ways, I would say to him: “see you on the other side.”
Of all of the emotions I feel at his passing, of all of the accolades he rightly deserves, and for the thousand precious memories I hold dear, this is my most vivid. “See you on the other side Dave.”

Dr. Apple always had a smile on his face whenever you saw him in the halls of Shepherd Center. He was an amazing human and will be missed! Sending love and healing energy to his family. May you all remember the great times you've had with him. I am just thankful to have shared small conversations and laughter with such an amazing person.

I remember working with Dr Apple in 1982 at West Paces Ferry Hospital preparing to open the new Shepherd Spinal Center on Peachtree. He was kind and dedicated to making a difference for others. He will be surely missed.

Dr. Apple and worked on many research projects together. He always looked for a reason to recognize an employee at Shepherd. When I passed my certification exam and became a certified clinical research professional he donated money on my behalf to Shepherd Center. When I received my card in the mail I felt so honored he would do that on my behalf. He was truly a special person and there are really no words that can describe how special he was.