Dr. Edward David Haigler, Jr.

Dr. Edward David Haigler, Jr., of Mountain Brook, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on July 8, 2026. He left behind a legacy of faith, compassion, humility, and service that touched countless lives. While he earned the admiration of colleagues through an extraordinary career as a physician, educator, administrator, and mentor, those who knew David best will remember a man whose life was defined not by his accomplishments, but by his character.

David was born in Birmingham, Alabama on July 7, 1940. He attended Shades Valley High School and then Birmingham-Southern College, where he distinguished himself academically as a President’s Scholar and a student leader. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Alabama, graduating near the top of his class while serving as president of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and receiving the Lange Medical Publications Award.

As a Birmingham-Southern College student, David accepted a summer job as a scrub technician in the operating room at Carraway Methodist Medical Center. From that humble beginning grew a lifelong relationship with Carraway that would span more than three decades. After completing an Internal Medicine residency at the Mayo Clinic, honorably serving as a Captain in the United States Air Force Medical Corps, and finishing a fellowship in Endocrinology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine, David returned to Carraway and Norwood Clinic. Over the years, he became a highly respected endocrinologist, served as the Internal Medicine Residency Director and then as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Carraway, helping educate and mentor generations of physicians.

Throughout his distinguished career, David authored multiple scientific publications, served in leadership roles within state and national medical organizations, and earned the deep respect of colleagues throughout the medical community. Despite his many achievements, he never sought recognition for himself. Instead, he focused on encouraging others, celebrating their accomplishments, and making everyone around him feel valued. He possessed a quiet wisdom, a calming spirit, and an unwavering integrity that made him a trusted source of strength and counsel for those around him.

David was a devoted Christian whose faith was the foundation of his life. He attended Canterbury United Methodist Church for most of his life and served on its Administrative Board for many years. He was an active member of the Crawford Owen Sunday School class, where he served as class president and developed many deep friendships. One of the great joys of his later years was his church men’s group, whose fellowship and companionship meant so much to him. David also enjoyed watching golf, was a devoted Alabama Crimson Tide football fan, and had an enduring passion for music of every genre, especially blues, rhythm and blues, and jazz. He was an avid collector of vinyl records and CDs and was well known at Charlemagne Record Exchange, where he could regularly be found browsing record bins and negotiating trades with fellow music lovers.

David was also a gifted storyteller. Family and friends treasured his recollections of growing up in Birmingham, his years in medical school and residency, and the unforgettable experiences of a lifetime in medicine. His stories reflected his quick wit, remarkable memory, and his ability to find humor in everyday life.

David was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He shared nearly fifty wonderful years with his beloved wife Armanda, the mother of his children, until her passing in 2016. David treasured time spent with Armanda and their two boys, especially the frequent family movie nights and multiple beach and Disney vacations. David also had a special affection for the family’s beloved Shih Tzus, who were not just pets but family members.

Though David deeply grieved the loss of Armanda, life held an unexpected blessing. David and Kay Luckie were members of the same Canterbury Sunday School class for years, but they didn’t start getting to know each other well until they were both visiting the columbarium there one Sunday to pay their respects to their late spouses. Over the next several months, their bond grew and they were married. In their nearly seven years of marriage, David and Kay found in one another renewed joy, faithful companionship, and a love neither had expected to find again.

David was preceded in death by his first wife, Armanda Talmadge Haigler; by his infant daughter, Susan Talmadge Haigler; and by his parents, the Honorable Edward David Haigler and Florence Vance Haigler. He is survived by his second wife, Katherine (Kay) Luckie Haigler; his sons, Edward David (Ted) Haigler III (Mary Margaret) and Richard Hamilton Haigler; his cherished grandchildren, Dylan Haigler and Maya Haigler; and his sister, Kathleen Haigler Watkins (Ray); as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members, friends, former patients and colleagues, and generations of physicians whose lives were enriched by his example.

David’s legacy cannot be measured simply by the patients he healed, the physicians he trained, or the honors he received. His greatest legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his wisdom, kindness, and humility. He taught those around him that true greatness is found in serving others with compassion and integrity. Those who had the privilege of knowing David will remember not only what he accomplished, but how he made them feel: valued, encouraged, respected, and loved. His life was a blessing, his example an inspiration, and his memory a gift that will endure for generations.

A memorial service will be held in the sanctuary at Canterbury United Methodist Church on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 11:00 am, preceded by visitation in Canterbury Hall at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to United Ability (unitedability.org).

Services are under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel (205-879-3401) in Homewood.