David Edinger, born on September 24, 1958, in New Jersey, proudly called Peachtree City home for the last 24 years of his life until his passing on November 4, 2025. A devoted educator and coach for over 42 years, David profoundly inspired generations of middle and high school students through his unwavering passion for science, his keen curiosity about the world, and his deep, genuine care for each individual he taught.

Known affectionately as “Coach Ed,” David was a dedicated and selfless giver, extending his kindness not only to his students but also to his friends, neighbors, and the entire community. Guided by a strong heart of faith, he lived each day embodying kindness, humility, and compassion, treating others with grace, patience, and an unwavering belief in the inherent good within every person he met. He was an avid reader, a lifelong learner, and a true mentor, constantly seeking and sharing wisdom, always taking the time to listen and to teach. David’s unique dry wit was well-known; he had a special way of making his point, often leaving others laughing out loud, even if sometimes scratching their heads.

His greatest passion outside the classroom was coaching basketball. David loved the strategy of the game, spending countless hours studying plays, discussing techniques, and connecting with coaches nationwide. His players always knew they were loved and believed in, both on and off the court. Throughout his lifetime, David inspired countless students, players, colleagues, and friends. His lessons and influence reached far beyond the confines of the classroom and the gym, with many continuing to seek his guidance, share their milestones, and carry forward his teachings even years after graduation. He never stopped being a teacher, and his impact lived on in the lives he helped shape and the people he encouraged to believe in themselves. He was even named Teacher of the Year at Booth Middle School.

David's professional journey began with teaching in Tennessee before he moved to Georgia, where he taught at Eagle’s Landing High School and later in Fayette County. For the last two decades, he dedicated himself to Booth Middle School as a science teacher and basketball coach. Just the day before his passing, he had successfully led the girls’ team to a victory. He had been planning to retire the following year, after more than forty years in education, with scheduled meetings in January to finalize arrangements. He and his wife, Sandy, had many exciting plans, including their son's upcoming wedding.

Married for 24 years, David’s love for his wife, Sandy, was pure, devoted, and real in every way. He was not just a husband but a best friend, a steady hand, and a gentle soul who loved without limits. The couple taught side-by-side for much of their careers, even teaching eighth-grade science next door to each other for eight years. Sandy fondly recalled how the kids loved "the Edingers" and how David always made her feel special. Together, they blended their families—his two daughters, Blair (Tyler) Brewer and Taylor (Brandon) Maurer, and her two sons, Chad Pitts and Preston Pitts—into what Sandy described as "each other’s second chances." David helped raise Sandy's youngest son from the age of one and remained close with all five of their beloved grandchildren: Journey, River, and Remi Brewer, and Millie and Cash Maurer. He never treated Sandy's boys as anything less than his own, showcasing his profoundly loving nature. Neighbors also attested to his kindness, noting how he took young boys next door under his wing, bringing them telescopes and attending their ball games.

David is also survived by his siblings Bobby and Danny Edinger, Steve Busch, Diana Schnieder, Bonnie Bush, and William Bush. He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Poole, his father, Russell Edinger, and his siblings Mary Ragazzo and Melinda Sparata.

The Booth Middle School community, along with countless others, is mourning the profound loss of David Edinger, who died at his own hand on Tuesday morning near the school campus. Sandy Edinger, also a Booth Middle School science teacher, expressed her shock and described him as “the best person I’ve ever known… so respected and admired by everybody in this community.” She highlighted how he touched so many lives and was a constant giver. Sandy believes that David’s actions were entirely out of character and must have been influenced by painful health challenges he had faced, including a dangerous blood condition requiring monthly infusions after a severe bout with Covid several years prior, and arthritis. He had also left a note detailing some of these health conditions, which police temporarily took as evidence. His colleagues were equally surprised by the week's events, echoing Sandy's sentiment that this action was completely uncharacteristic.

Visitation for David Edinger will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Mowell Funeral Home in Peachtree City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who loved Dave bring a written shared memory or inspiration, as that is what he was to so many people. Sandy emphasized that David’s passing is a "huge loss for our community" and wishes for past and current students, colleagues, and friends to have the opportunity to share their memories with her. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available by calling or texting 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day.