Christopher Applebee

Fire Lieutenant Christopher Ronald Applebee passed away Thursday, September 9, 2021, at the age of 43.

Chris is survived by his wife, Tracy Applebee, his children, Caden and Navee, his parents, Ronald and Marcie Applebee, sister and brother-in-law, Haley and Keith Opdyke, and nephew and godson, Maxwell.

Chris was born in Altus, Oklahoma on November 7, 1977 at Altus Air Force Base.  Chris graduated from Fayette County High School in Fayetteville, Georgia in 1996 and from Ogeechee Technical College in 2000 with a degree in Marketing and Management.  Chris worked in various roles at Chick-Fil-A for 18 years and was the General Manager at the Statesboro Chick-fil-A from 2002 to 2014.  Chris was passionate about serving the community and helping others and started as a volunteer firefighter with Bulloch County Bay District Station #5 where he was the station lieutenant.  He was on the Bulloch County Rescue Squad and was an instructor for the county fire department.  In 2011, Chris started as a part-time firefighter with the Statesboro Fire Department and became full-time in 2014. In August of 2016, he was promoted to lieutenant.  He also served as an arson investigator for the department and was a member of the department’s honor guard. Chris had a heart for service and taught firefighting and extrication throughout the Southeast.  When Chris wasn’t at the fire department, he enjoyed working with his hands at Brian’s Diesel Performance in Brooklet, GA for 7 years and eventually became the shop foreman.

Chris met the love of his life, Tracy, while a student at Ogeechee Tech.  He won her over with M&Ms, his expertise in paying attention while sleeping during class, and his ability to always make Tracy laugh.  They were married in 2002.  Chris and Tracy’s son, Caden, was born in 2004 and their daughter, Navee, in 2007.  Chris enjoyed spending time with his family, going on vacation, hunting, cooking, and woodworking projects.

Chris loved many and was loved by many.  He had a kind heart and was always ready to lend a hand. Chris will be greatly missed by the community and all those who knew him.

A graveside service is scheduled for 1:00 PM on September 12, 2021 at Bulloch Memorial Gardens and is open to the public. The family respectfully requests that all guests wear masks. Memorial contributions may be made via personal check to:

Statesboro Fire Department Auxiliary

24 West Grady St.

Statesboro, GA 30458

and/or

Bulloch County Public Servants

22757 US-80

Statesboro, GA 30461

Please write “In memory of Chris Applebee” in the memo line.