James Fred Gaddy

Mr. Fred Gaddy, 96 , of Lowrys community entered into eternal rest Monday, January 5, 2009 at Chester Regional Nursing Center, Chester SC. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church Lowrys, Thursday January 8,2009 at 3:00.The family will receive friends in the social hall of the church between 1:00 and 2:30 PM Thursday. Born October 9, 1912in Great Falls SC Mr. Gaddy was the son of the late Sidney and Ophelia Carter Gaddy. As a businessman in Chester County for nearly seventy years, he owned several grocery stores and founded Gaddy Furniture Company in 1954 where he worked until retiring in 2002.As an active member of First Baptist Church ofLowrysfor 73 years, Mr. Gaddy held many leadership positions including deacon and church treasurer.He also served as Fire Commissioner of Chester County for 30 years.He was very instrumental in establishing many rural fire departments throughout the county.Mr. Gaddy was also a member of Chester County Council at one time. He was preceded in death by his wife of seventy-two years Elizabeth Gaddy.Surviving are four children: Joyce Nelson and her husband Ken of Macon GA; Martha Wilkes and her husband Jack of Winnsboro SC; two sons, Dean Gaddy and his wife Beth; Curtis Gaddy and his wife Diane all of Chester SC.He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and 2 special friends, Sandra Gaddy and Brenda Little. One of Mr. Gaddy?s passions was music.He taught himself to play the banjo as a boy and from that was involved in several bands and made many friends through his music.After having to give up playing the banjo he used his voice to satisfy his music needs.He comforted many people including himself, by singing while he was confined at home and in Chester Regional Nursing Center.Another passion he had was story telling.He entertained family and friends for years with his stories and his sense of humor, which he had until the very last. He enjoyed helping people and made lasting friendships wherever he went. He loved his Lord, his family, his friends and will be sorely missed by all. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to his loving care givers over the last two years of his life:Esther Cameron, Marion Cameron, Carolyn Queen, Nora Evans, Connie Stedmon and James Stedmon.Also the care given to him by the staff of Chester Regional Nursing Center and Hospice of South Carolinais greatly appreciated. The family requestthat memorials be made to the New Building Fund at the First Baptist Church Lowrys, 3981 Armenia Road, Chester, SC 29706. Funeral Service Thursday January 8, 2009, 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Lowrys Click for Map and Directions Visitation Thursday January 8, 2009, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM at First Baptist Church of Lowrys Click for Map and Directions