Richard (Rick) Eugene Apple of Savannah, Georgia—formerly Monroe, Ohio passed away Saturday morning, June 5th, 2021. Rick obtained his B.S. in Education from Miami of Oxford, Ohio. He taught Industrial Arts at Little Miami High School in the early 1970s where he also coached basketball. He left teaching to pursue a career in homebuilding and carpentry. He retired with Schmidt Builders where he worked as a home guarantor, ensuring quality workmanship and customer satisfaction for homebuyers. Rick loved to work with his hands and was constantly mending and creating with them. Rick had a deep fondness for nature and the outdoors. He met his wife, Pam, while skiing with friends and their marriage would flourish for 46 years thereafter and they would travel all over the country skiing, hiking, boating, fishing, and exploring.

Rick also had a passion for family. When his daughter, Katie, was born, his passions only intensified as he worked to share every life experience with her. Rick lived a full life—from racing muscle cars in his youth; to skiing all over the country; enjoying concerts or competing in a triathlon or golfing with friends, Rick remained a profound individual. Rick was the All-American good guy who could somehow manage to find a way to be on the level with anyone he encountered, no matter the differences between their walks of life or background. One of the more memorable traits about him was his ability to synthesize and penetrate the most complex and convoluted situation with a single line. His mantra was to find the simplicity in all things, and to live simply. He was as honest as they come, unassuming, patient, and pure of heart.

He is survived by his daughter Katie and son-in-law Asa Roberts and grand-doggie Remus; his sister Cathryn Apple and brother-in-law Van Castleberry; sister-in-law Margaret (Nolie) Sexton and brother-in-law Roger Sexton; sister-in-law Karen Kestermann and brother-in-law Rolf Kestermann; his brother Mike Apple, many nieces, nephews and all who knew him. There will be no services per his request, and his remains will be scattered in the Great Smoky Mountains.