Clifton Gaddy

Davis Gaddy died at his home in Raleigh, North Carolina on April 17, 2025, following a brief illness. He will be forever loved and missed by his family, friends, and neighbors. He is survived by his sons, Clifton, Alan, Bobby and Michael; his daughter, Debra and his brother; Albert Gaddy. He loved and cherished each of his grandchildren, Justen, Matthew Alan, Matthew Wayne, Beckett, Alexandra, Sarah, Tanner and his great-grandchildren, Bella, Savanna, Emma, Avery, Charlotte, Caleb and Benton. He is predeceased by his parents, Bob and Ruth Gaddy; his sister, Willie Mae Beachum, and the love of his life and mother of his children, Norma Teal Gaddy.

He was born in Wadesboro, NC on May 21, 1928. At the age of 9 years old he began his first job, delivering the morning newspaper on his bicycle. He graduated from Wadesboro High School in 1946 and went to work at the local Dixie-Home store. He was initially trained as a butcher, a job he also held during his 2 years of service with the United States Air Force. He was stationed in French Morocco during the Korean War. Upon his return from the war, he continued his career at Winn-Dixie and retired after 47 years of employment. He took the weekend off and immediately started the first of several post -retirement jobs.

With more free time, Davis was able to enjoy his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He attended countless ball games and recitals of every sort, as well as all the graduations from kindergarten to college. He answered every emergency call, most beginning with, "Grandpa, there's something wrong with my car."

Though Davis was almost 97 years old, he never thought his age was a barrier to anything he wanted to do. He continued to enjoy hunting and fishing with his friends. He was studying the DMV manual to renew his driver's license. He was constantly working on his yard and garden and fixing things that others might think were beyond repair. If his neighbors had not kept a watchful eye, he would have continued cleaning his gutters and getting the sticks off his roof. He loved his neighbors and they loved him back. They had an open invitation to join him on his front porch every afternoon about 5pm.

He was a Baptist from birth and a man of great faith. Davis's last church home was Friendship Baptist Church in Raleigh. He attended service every week and was proud that he learned to watch the service on his computer during the pandemic. He enjoyed having lunch every Tuesday with his Sunday School friends, who he referred to as "the boys."

His funeral will be held at his church on Tuesday, April 22. Visitation will be at the church at 10:30 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:30 am. Davis will then be cremated, and his remains will be buried in McFarlan, NC at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Friendship Baptist Church Missionary Fund, or the charity of your choice.