William Joseph "Joe" Gaddy stepped across from this life into Heaven on January 21, 2012, his 72nd birthday. Joe was born on January 21, 1940 in the family home in Tecumseh, MO to William Alfred and Maggie Elizabeth White Gaddy. He was joined in marriage to Ernestine Louise Grisham on May 30, 1959. Ernestine and Joe referred to each other as their "Good Companion," which summed up the life they shared, journeying through life together.

Joe loved the world God created, always observing the wonder of nature around him. He loved sports and was very competitive. From playing basketball in high school (MVP for the Gainesville Bulldogs in 1957 in their run to State) to golf, to ping pong tournaments at family reunions, to playing Mexican Train with family and friends, he always played to win and he played to the end. This was also how he lived his life: playing to win and playing to the end. Joe worked 12 years for Hallmark Cards in Kansas City before returning to Ozark County in 1970 to own and operate Hardenville Farm Supply. He surrendered to the Gospel ministry in August, 1974. He gave everything he had to the General Baptist churches he served in Noble, Gainesville, Kansas City MO, a new church plant in Northwest, AR, and Liberty General Baptist church in Isabella, MO. He tenderly loved the people he served, shepherding them through life's trials and leading them to the foot of the cross. He had the blessing of baptizing all six of his grandchildren, and taking part in the marriage ceremony of his oldest granddaughter. He finished his ministry by doing pulpit supply; the last sermon he preached was entitled, "Finishing Well."


Joe also enjoyed selling real estate in Arkansas and Missouri.


Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Maggie Gaddy, and his precious baby daughter Trina Louise. Joe is survived by his dear wife of 52 years, Ernestine; his two daughters Tammy (Paul) Childress and Theresa (Lee) Bridges; six grandchildren Lauren and Nathan Childress, Amanda (Joe) Bridges Pearce, Zachary, Austin, and Carlyn Bridges; honorary daughter Mary (Paul) White Roberts; four sisters Helen Miles, June Ownby, Jean Suman, and Elaine (Gary) Baldwin; one brother, Paul (Sue) Gaddy, and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, January 23, 2012 at the Lilly Ridge General Baptist Church in Gainesville, MO with Dale Roberts and Scott Linten officiating. Visitation will be Monday from Noon to service time at the church. Burial will be in the Lilly Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial to the General Baptist National Missions (1000 Stinson Dr, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901) is suggested.?