On Sunday, March 7, 2021, in Savannah, David won his courageously fought battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He is now in Heaven, healed and whole again. David, 70, was born in Miami, Florida on September 9th, 1950. He was the second born to Dovie Lee Faircloth Giddens and John Rene Giddens. He attended elementary and secondary school in Miami and attended colleges in Georgia, eventually receiving his Education Specialist degree in Health and Physical Education.
David married Shari Estes on July 15th, 1978 in Eastman, Ga. Their family was made complete when they were joined by sons John in 1979 and Ben in 1984. The family enjoyed life in several cities in Georgia while David pursued his career in teaching and coaching. He loved his successful career, having the opportunity to coach several sports over the years. His last teaching and coaching position was at Richmond Hill High School where he coached girls' softball and basketball for 10 years before he retired in 2006. David truly enjoyed coaching his student athletes and had the opportunity to make a difference in many lives as well as make. lifelong friends.
David's family was the focus of his life. He was an involved father, loving husband, caring brother and doting grandfather to Clarke and Gus. David loved attending his children's events, family trips, playing his guitars and listening to music . David and Shari enjoyed exploring the local sites in the areas they resided with John and Ben. David encouraged his sons' love of music and was proud of their musical endeavors. He was a lifelong learner, enjoying reading books on many different subjects. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren whom he adored.
David was an ordained Deacon of the Baptist faith and his church activities were very important to him. David was a member of Corinth Baptist Church in Richmond Hill at the time of his death. He served many roles in the church but especially enjoyed working with the children's programs and Bible School.
David is predeceased by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Shari Estes Giddens; son John Giddens and wife Christina; son Benjamin Giddens and wife Kimberly; grandchildren Clarke Giddens and Gus Giddens; sister, Janice Giddens; mother-in-law, Ruth Estes; sister-in-law, Judy (Bob) Herrington; and nephews Reid Wood and Herb Wood and their families.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in David's memory to the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association or to a charity of your choice.
A drop in celebration of David's life will be held Thursday, March 11th in the pavilion at Corinth Baptist Church in Keller, GA from 6:00-8:00 PM. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 13th, in Eastman Georgia at Woodlawn Cemetery at 10:30 AM. The family will receive family and friends after the service.
The family requests that attendees at the memorial events for David please wear masks for the safety of all in his honor.
Hardy-Towns Funeral Home of Eastman is in charge of arrangements. www.hardy-towns.com