David Elder

David Matthew Elder of McDonough, Georgia, age 47, passed away on January 31, 2023. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Deborah Norton Elder, who adored him. David was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and grew up in Conyers, Georgia, until his family moved to Pensacola, Florida, in 1990. David was magic. When he was six years old, he popped wheelies and jumped cul-de-sac bike ramps like Evel Knievel. At eight, David spit out his multiplication tables at lightning speed. He dominated at kickball, math quizzes, and all field day events. Out of all sports and contests, nothing won his heart like baseball. His backyard moonlighted as the neighborhood wiffle ball field. His talent started there but blossomed into a lifetime career. In 1994, he landed a scholarship to pitch for Georgia Tech. He then was drafted by the Texas Rangers organization and played professionally for several years. He made his first Major League pitching debut with the Cleveland Indians organization against the New York Yankees. The first batter David faced was homerun hitter Jason Giambi. David struck him out. His family loved showing David's face on his own baseball card. After multiple arm and shoulder surgeries, his pitching career stopped, but his love for the game never ended. He became involved in youth baseball as a coach, mentor, and instructor. He coached for many years and found great joy in coaching young players. In 2015, David was inducted as a National Sports Hero for the City of Pensacola, Florida. He spent his lifetime making his family proud. David had an endless list of talents, but he was best at loving his family. He is survived by his precious daughter, Haven, the love of his life. He is also survived by his father and bonus mom, David (Butch) and Beth Elder of Social Circle; sister and brother-in-law, Dana and David Hammonds of Loganville; brother and sister-in-law, Daniel and Molly Elder of Pensacola, Florida, bonus sisters Angie (Tim) Laird of Bogart and Midge (Bryan) Curles of Winder. He is loved by nieces, Madison (Jordan) Moore of Snellville, Mallory Hammonds of Monroe, Charley Elder and Bella Bannerman of Pensacola; nephews, Dawson Hammonds of Loganville and Baylon Bannerman of Pensacola; bonus niece, Anneston Curles, and bonus nephews, Cameron Curles and Rylan Laird. Also surviving are his great nephews, Brooks Moore of Snellville and Miles Henderson of Pensacola. Many aunts, uncles, and cousins also loved him dearly. When David Elder smiled, the room always found its light. His laughter rippled through all family gatherings. His magic lives on through those who loved him most. Donations may be made in David's memory to Crossroads United Methodist Church in Conyers, Georgia. Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, from 2 pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm at Scot Ward Funeral Home in Conyers, Georgia. The funeral will be held at 11 am on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Conyers, Georgia. Reverend Thomas Hall and Reverend Zach Martin will officiate. The family will hold a private burial at Eastview Cemetery in Conyers, Georgia. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Rd., Conyers, GA, 770-483-7216. To watch the live streamed service you can either watch on facebook: https://www.smore.com/app/reporting/out/4kasng?u=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2Fcrossroadsumcconyers&t=CrossroadsUMCConyers&w=w-3519838537&i=&l=l-1786881147 or youtube: https://www.smore.com/app/reporting/out/4kasng?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fchannel%2FUC3WytxhAH9onzb8Avw_0fpQ%2F&t=CrossroadsUMC%20Conyers&w=w-3519838537&i=&l=l-2067418809

David Elder

September 23, 1975 - January 31, 2023