Raymond Herbert Apel Sr.

Raymond Herbert Apel, Sr. 97
Herb was the only child of Horace and Sadie Apel. Born on October 8, 1927 in Abington, PA, he grew up in Elkins Park. Herb graduated from Cheltenham High School in 1945 and played on the varsity tennis team. He almost never missed a class reunion and kept in touch with many of his classmates over the years. Herb was a proud WW2 Veteran, who served in the Army Post War Occupation Forces in Okinawa from 1946-1948. Following his military service, he completed Palmer Business School and went on to run his own business, Vineland White Trucks in Vineland, NJ. Prior to that time, he worked as a salesman for Brockway Trucks in Philadelphia, PA, and then Horner Mack Trucks in Vineland, NJ.
In 1957, on a blind date, Herb met and soon became engaged to the love of his life, Beverly. After marrying Beverly, the couple moved to Millville, NJ, where he raised a family and resided for most of his working years, especially enjoying spending time at the Ocean City and Cape May beaches. He retired to Florida with Bev in 1986 and became a "snow bird" going back and forth to Florida spend time with his son, Ray. in Parrish, FL, in Dahlonega GA, and most recently in Wheeling, WV.
He was a generous man, and a stranger to no one. He always had a positive attitude with many stories to tell and sayings, like "as far as that goes" that brought smiles to all who knew him. Herb was a man that quite frankly "never had a bad day"- just ask him! Herb also had an incredible memory and loved to recount all the details about the 1975 Championship Millville Thunderbolt Football team, on which Ray played. He loved watching baseball, football, tennis and golf into the wee hours of the night, where he would often fall asleep in a recliner with his beloved dogs at his feet, first Buddy and then Jersey. Active and driving well into his 90s, Herb lived a full life. He even managed to use an iPhone and FaceTime to stay in touch with his family and friends.
Herb is predeceased by his parents, his wife Beverly (Low) Apel, and son Gary Louis Apel. He is survived by his son Raymond, granddaughter Alexandra, great granddaughters Chloe Meier and Cameron Watson and Niece Kara (Headley) Sweet.
The Chambers Funeral Home of Wellsburg, WV (304)737-3551 is honored and privileged to serve the Apel family with a Private Viewing and Private Funeral Service at the National Cemetery of Alleghenies, Bridgeville, PA with Military Honors by the US Army and the Brentwood American Legion.
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