David Caldwell, Sr.

David Caldwell, Sr., age 96, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away September 13, 2026, following an extended illness. David was born in Concord, Georgia, on December 5, 1929, to Joseph David and Minnie Lee (Argroves) Caldwell.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1948 and was stationed in Illinois at Chanute Air Force Base. During his assignment he met and then married Wanda Lea (Hoover) Caldwell of Thawville, Illinois on November 9, 1952. Shortly thereafter they moved to Georgia. David attended Georgia State College, now known as Georgia State University and graduated in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In 1956, while still attending college, he began his career with the federal Civil Service Commission (CSC). As a diligent and hardworking civil servant David held key positions in Memphis, Dallas, Washington DC, and went on to become the Director of the Southeast Region (Region 4) in Atlanta. In 1978 he was awarded the Commissioner’s Award (the agency's highest honor). He received this for his work in developing and executing the civil service reform package that transitioned the agency's duties into modern federal personnel management. He maintained executive oversight of the southeastern territory (formerly Region 4) as the agency shifted its functions from the CSC to the newly created Office of Personnel Management (OPM). He retired as the Regional Director of the Atlanta office for the Office of Personnel Management in 1985. Following retirement, he found enjoyment in other work opportunities, hunting, and spending time with Wanda in the north Georgia mountains, at their cabin with family and friends.

David was blessed to have spent almost 74 years with Wanda, before her passing on July 14, 2026. He is survived by his three sons David Caldwell, Jr. of Marietta, Georgia, Kevin Lee (Kristen) Caldwell of Roswell, Georgia, and Daryl James Caldwell of Newnan, Georgia; six grandchildren, Austin James Caldwell, Emma Grace (Billy) Barahona, William Lee Caldwell, Hamilton Reece Caldwell, Callan Margaret Caldwell, and Molly Claire Caldwell; four great-grandchildren Henry Lee Caldwell, Nina Anne Barahona, Vivianna Marie Barahona, and John Josue Barahona.

He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his siblings Joseph Lee Caldwell, Harvey Eugene Caldwell, Woodrow Wilson Caldwell, Elbert Otis Caldwell, Mabel Inez (Caldwell)Watts, Theodore Vinson Caldwell, John McLease Caldwell, Lanier O. Caldwell, Douglas Caldwell, and Ray V. Caldwell.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 11:30AM, at Concord Baptist Church, Concord Georgia. Rev. Fred Whitley and Pastor Tom Eckman will officiate. Burial will follow in Old Hebron Cemetery, Concord, Georgia.

Visitation will be held at the church immediately preceding the funeral, from 10:30-11:30 AM.