City Manager Edward Beach has died unexpectedly

CORDELE, Ga. – “He had a brilliant mind. The city of Cordele has suffered a great loss. Edward Beach was an excellent, top of the line professional.” These were the few, but profoundly heartfelt words offered Tuesday by Jeannie Bartee on the sudden death of Cordele City Manager Edward Beach.

Beach died Tuesday at Crisp Regional Hospital, and as of 3 p.m., arrangements were still pending.

The City Commission will not meet as scheduled Tuesday  but will hold a meeting Wednesday.

Beach earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Georgia Southwestern College in 1988 when he graduated magna cum laude. He was also a member of the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society during college, according to the city’s website.

Prior to working for the city, he worked as the head accountant at Roobin’s Department store and later owned his own gift shop in a historic home he renovated on 18th Avenue. He also performed accounting services for several Cordele area businesses.

He earned his master’s degree at Georgia Southwestern State University, again graduating with honors.

Beach began working for the city of Cordele in November 2001 as the financial services administrator. In 2010 he became the city clerk and assistant city manager.

In July 2012, the City Commission named him interim city manager and named him to the position of city manager in August 2013.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.