Kenneth Eugene Gaddis, Sr.

Kenneth Eugene Gaddis, Sr., went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 17, 2019.  Ken was born in Haywood County on September 26, 1927 to the late Clarence and Millie Gaddis.

Ken graduated Waynesville Township High School in 1948, and served in the United States Army during the Korean War.  When he returned home, Ken worked at Marion Manufacturing as a Cost Accountant for over 30 years.  After he retired there, he continued part-time work in the funeral home industry for 12 years.  Ken attended and faithfully served Rocky Pass Free Will Baptist Church for more than 60 years in many different roles including trustee and various committees.

Ken will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.  Ken enjoyed spending time with his family and had a special gift for making people laugh with his quick-witted responses.  He always had a hug and some quarters ready to give his grandchildren. 

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Madge Trent Gaddis; daughter Susan Gaddis Holland (Wayne); son-in-law, Ray Eshbaugh; daughter-in-law, Tammy Hutchins Gaddis; sister, Betty Jean Russell (Robert); five grandchildren, Sheila Williams (Shawn), Kent Hinton (Glenda), Amanda Collins (Joshua), Kayla Dingus and (David), and Tristan Gaddis; and four great grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Jacob and Rosie; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sisters, Polly Berry and Bertha McDowell; brother, Gordon Gaddis; son Kenneth Eugene Gaddis, Jr. (September 12, 2018); daughter, Brenda Gail Eshbaugh, who passed away one day prior (October 16, 2019); and one nephew, David Gaddis. 

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at Rocky Pass Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Alan Sailors and Rev. Tim Connor officiating.  Interment, with military honors provided by the United States Army, will follow at Rocky Pass Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the church. 

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Ken’s memory are asked to consider, American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, Building 1, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 or by visiting www.cancer.org.