SUWANEE, GA. — Charles (Chuck) F. Applebee, Jr., 76, of Gainesville, GA.., peacefully passed away Monday, October 4, 2021, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Joan W. Applebee, children, stepchildren, and 12 grandchildren.

After attending the University of West Georgia and Georgia State University, Applebee joined his father at Applebee-Church Inc. and was later president of Sun Manufacturing before beginning his career at Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS), a supplier of ductless and ducted mini-split, and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat-pump and air-conditioning systems.

“The HVAC industry lost a true hero and friend when we lost Chuck Applebee,” said Mike Smith, senior manager marketing communications, METUS, and mentee of Applebee’s. Applebee worked for METUS for more than 21 years as a product manager over the energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), the split-ductless product line and accessories. 

“Chuck took me under his wing as a novice HVAC guy on the entrepreneurial team at Mitsubishi Electric’s HVAC division,” says Smith. “I’ll never forget how Chuck shared his industry knowledge with me. His connections and insights significantly contributed to METUS’ growth and market share gain. He’s a legend in this field.”

"Chuck gave us his best while working at Mitsubishi Electric. He loved working for this company and was always willing to share his extensive knowledge with others,” said Mark Kuntz, chief executive officer, METUS. “We will miss him dearly."

Community involvement was important to Applebee. Over the years, he served in numerous roles in his children’s school and athletic programs and in his neighborhood.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to the American Cancer Society in loving memory of "Charles Francis Applebee, Jr." Online condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com.