David John Apps

Born on June 9, 1939, in Southborough, near Tunbridge Wells, England, Dave emigrated to the United States with his beloved wife, Margaret, in 1968. They became proud American citizens soon afterward and shared a loving marriage of 61 years built on devotion, partnership, humor, and kindness. Together, they adopted their daughter, Karolyn, as a baby, beginning the close-knit family that meant so much to Dave throughout his life.

Dave is survived by his wife, Margaret; his daughter, Karolyn Farmer, and her husband, Kirk Farmer; and a loving extended family including Ian and his wife, Charity; Luke and his wife, Tammy; Maja and her husband, Jason, and family; Reagan and her husband, Greg, and family; and Grant. He is also survived by beloved extended family in England and Wales, including the children and grandchildren of Margaret’s late brother and sister-in-law, with whom the family remained very close over the years, including niece Thérèse, her husband, James, and their children, Isaac and Cara, along with Thérèse’s brothers, Nicholas and James.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gertrude Apps; his sister, Janette; and his brother-in-law, Ralph.

Dave worked as a business sales engineer and traveled extensively throughout the world, including Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and China. Though accomplished professionally, he was never defined by status or recognition, but rather by the quiet goodness he brought into the lives of others.

A gifted woodworker, Dave created beautiful handmade furniture and found joy in building and repairing things with care and precision. He generously volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and Passage Home, regularly donated blood through the Red Cross, and never hesitated to help a person, animal, or even a struggling plant in need. He was a gentle, humble, and deeply compassionate man whose sharp wit and endless supply of puns could brighten any room.

A devoted Episcopalian, Dave served his church faithfully as a reader and vestry member. He lived his faith not only through words, but through daily acts of kindness, patience, and generosity toward others.

Dave was deeply loved by all who knew him. His warmth, charm, humor, and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to meet him. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by family, friends, neighbors, and all whose lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness in Dave’s memory, whether helping a neighbor, supporting a local charity, donating blood, or lending a hand to someone in need—simple gestures that reflected the way Dave lived his life every day.