A Tribute

Dr. David Apple

In honor of a lifetime of compassion, leadership, and belief.

Years of service

1975 — 2026

Lives touched

Countless

A life devoted to possibility

Dr. David Apple believed medicine was only the beginning. As Shepherd Center’s founding medical director, he helped shape a philosophy of care rooted in dignity, independence, and hope for life beyond injury. From the earliest days of the hospital, he championed whole‑person rehabilitation — insisting that recovery must include purpose, community, and the freedom to live fully again.

Through steady leadership, personal conviction, and an unwavering belief in what patients could achieve, Dr. Apple helped build not just an institution, but a way of caring that continues to guide Shepherd Center today.

Funeral arrangements

A memorial service in honor of Dr. Apple will take place on Friday, April 17 at 10:00 a.m. at The Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta. A reception will follow the service at the Capital City Club in Brookhaven.

Dr. Apple wearing a blue plaid shirt stands outdoors, smiling at the camera. Behind him are trees and a brick wall.

Sign the memory book

Share your reflection, story, or message of gratitude in honor of Dr. Apple. A collection of memories that celebrate his leadership, compassion, and the countless lives he touched.

Add Your Memories

Black-and-white portrait of Dr. Apple in surgical attire, resting his chin on his hand. A blue banner reads:

Alana Shepherd, staff, volunteers, and board members share how Dr. Apple impacted their lives.

Dr. Apple with seven members of Shepherd Center's research team.

A slideshow reflecting back on Dr. Apple’s 50+ years at Shepherd Center.

Cheryl Linden wears an orange shirt, standing in front of a colorful wall with paper cranes, notes, and memorabilia, including a wrestling action figure and a

We talk a lot here…about culture and what that means. And Dr. Apple portrayed that in such a way because he lived the culture. And it wasn’t just about patient care and family care. The culture was about care of all. Care of community. Care of each other.

Cheryl Linden, MA, LPC, MS, OT/L Counselor who has worked at Shepherd for 30 years

My favorite memory is when Dr. Santa Apple, fully decked out as Jolly St. Nick (!), rolled into the Marcus Auditorium in a wheelchair for the Shepherd patient Christmas party!! He was always willing to be part of the group and to make everyone around him smile and feel welcome. I would not be the PT that I am today without that remarkable man's vision and leadership. He created an atmosphere at Shepherd that bonded all of us there at that time. We all still keep in touch, and we all agree that he made working at Shepherd such an amazing, rich, and rewarding job that we are all now bonded for life, all these many, many years later. Thank you so much, you sweet man! Job well done, Dr. Apple!

Teresa McAree • PT

April 17, 2026

Roswell, Georgia, United States

My first day at Shepherd i met Dr. Apple. He was so kind sand sweet. I was 4 months pregnant and hadn’t told anyone. After being introduced,he pulled me to the side and asked if I was pregnant when I confirmed that I was he smiled and told me congratulations. The next morning when I arrived to work there was a set of maternity scrubs in every color with a note from Dr. Apple. He always had a smile for everyone he encountered and was the most pleasant Doctor to work with. He always treated everyone with respect and kindness and he always listened and remembered what you told him. I will forever cherish the memories I have of him. Thank you to his loving family for sharing him throughout the years.

Chelsea Foley • Former Shepherd Employee

April 17, 2026

Houston, Texas, United States

Dr. Apple was the first doctor I was assigned to when I graduated a nursing school. I don’t think there could’ve been more of a kind, considerate, loving physician to lead a rehab team in the world! Not only did he care for the staff, but he really cared for the team treating the staff. His energy permeated throughout the whole hospital. What a wonderful man!

Dorea Fowler • Staff Nurse

April 15, 2026

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Dr. Apple was one of a kind with his wit, humor, and presence. He was always down for a good time! Dr. Apple made my first Project Rollway unforgettable! He was one of the models and he proceeded to strut his stuff down the rollway and boy did he get the crowd going! He taught a masterclass on how to work the crowd with all of his poses and he how he walked along the rollway swinging his canes as if they were props in a musical! He not only was the life of the party, he was party itself! Along with the Shepherd family, Dr. Apple helped to establish the culture here at Shepherd Center, which has grown to what it is today. Thank you Dr. Apple for all you have done for and invested in Shepherd Center. We are forever grateful for your service and labor of love.

Wesley Chay, MD • Colleague and friend

April 14, 2026

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Dr. Apple was one of the kindest people I ever had the privilege of knowing. Instrumental in founding Shepherd Center alongside the Shepherd family, his many years of compassionate care for his patients, as well as his presence there long after retirement demonstrated his stellar character. He is missed by many!

Suzanne Mott Dansby • Friend

April 13, 2026

Palm Beach, Florida, United States

I would not be where I am in this world today without the skill, support and expertise of Dr. David Apple. He has been a guiding light for me since my unfortunate accident in 1978. I am forever indebted to Dr. Apple and may he rest in peace knowing the impact he has had in the lives of so many persons at their moment of crisis and beyond!

Patrick Kelly • patient and friend

April 10, 2026

Stone Mountain, Georgia, United States

I have been a SC employee for 2 years; the Love, Life & Legacy of Dr. Apple is greatly felt throughout the organization. I keep his close friends and family in my prayers during this time. Thank you DR. APPLE! You will be Missed!

Nicole DuBois • Work @ SC

April 2, 2026

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

I would often cross paths with Dr. Apple at his senior living community. Whenever I mentioned that I volunteered at Shepherd, his face would light up. He'd immediately lean in, asking thoughtful questions about my specific role and showing genuine interest. I always left our conversations feeling inspired and uplifted.

Scott Bendzlowicz • Volunteer at Shepherd Center.

April 1, 2026

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

I met Dr Apple in 1979 at West Paces Ferry ( Shepherd's first location) after completing a 6 month internship at Craig Hospital in Therapeutic Recreation. He could not offer me a position but told me they were moving to a new building on Peachtree Rd and I should keep in touch. I enrolled in nursing school with the goal of making rehab nursing my career. In 1982 I began my Shepherd career as a Rehab tech and continuing as a RN after my graduation. Dr Apple's impact on patients, family and staff was incredible, but the impact he had on me as a nurse was immeasurable. He taught me everything about advocating for my patients, to keep learning and loving. My husband started his basketball coaching career at Lovett School, where he taught Dr Apple's children. With 3 moves out of metro Atlanta and the realization I would have to leave the job I loved, Dr Apple encouraged me to apply for Shepherd positions so I could remain. I owe him my 40 year career at Shepherd Center. He will be so missed. His light will shine on through all of us that you mentored. Sending heartfelt sympathy to his family.

Kathy Slonaker • Co-worker, Mentee, Friend

March 31, 2026

Athens, Georgia, United States

Dr. Apple never asserted that he was the doctor. He was always just someone who would roll up his sleeves with everybody else. And one of the most important things that he taught me as a leader was the importance of really listening, and respecting different opinions, but also thinking about the patients that we serve as whole people.

Jill Koval, Ph.D., ABPP-Rp Rehabilitation psychologist and psychology supervisor who has worked at Shepherd for 36 years

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Shepherd Center co-founder passes away

Founding medical director led with compassion, brought it out in others.

Read About Dr. David Apple’s Legacy
Seeing what’s possible

Dr. Apple believed service mattered more than certainty, shaping Shepherd Center’s foundation.

Read Seeing What’s Possible
On a mission to care

Dr. Apple defined progress by what patients regained: confidence, independence, and purpose.

Read On a Mission to Care
The beginning of recreation therapy

Dr. Apple believed in recreation therapy so strongly he paid Shepherd’s first therapist himself.

Read More About Recreation Therapy