Georgia CommonsSR1074: SR1074 Apple Jr., MD, David; condolences
Last action March 31, 2026 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Georgia Senate resolution honors the life of Dr. David Apple Jr., an Atlanta physician who co-founded the Shepherd Center, and directs a copy be sent to his family.
In plain language
This is a memorial resolution from the Georgia Senate, a formal statement rather than a change to state law. It honors David Apple Jr., MD, an Atlanta resident who died at age 89 and helped co-found the Shepherd Center, a rehabilitation hospital, in 1975. The resolution recounts his 31 years as the center's medical director, his work founding its Recreation Therapy Program, and his contributions to research and mentorship in rehabilitative medicine. The resolution states that the Senate joins in honoring his life and memory and expresses appreciation for his contributions to medicine. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Dr. Apple's family. It does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia law.
What the bill does
- Formally honors the life and memory of David Apple Jr., MD, on behalf of the Georgia Senate.
- Recounts his role co-founding the Shepherd Center in 1975 and his 31 years as its medical director.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to his family.
- Does not change, create, or repeal any statute; it has no regulatory or funding effect.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names David Apple Jr.'s family, including his wife and children, who will receive a copy. It also reflects on the Shepherd Center and the patients and clinicians connected to its rehabilitation and research programs.
Why it matters
The resolution carries no legal or financial effect on Georgians generally. Its practical significance is symbolic: it creates an official Senate record recognizing a physician's contributions to rehabilitative medicine and provides a keepsake document for his family.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses describe Dr. Apple's biography, his co-founding of the Shepherd Center in 1975, and his 31 years as its medical director.
- The resolved clause states the Senate's formal recognition of his life and contributions to medicine and humanity.
- A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to his family.
From the bill
“he changed the world of rehabilitative medicine and ev eryone he met with15 heart, humor, and an unshakable belief in what is possible.”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
Topics
- Senate resolution
- memorial tribute
- Shepherd Center
- rehabilitative medicine