Donald Ray Gaddis

Donald "Donnie" Ray Gaddis Sr., 76 of Cleveland, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 9, 2023. He was surrounded by family whom he loved and cherished deeply.

He was born in Athens, TN on April 21, 1947 a son of the late John Ledger and Elina Gaddis and was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Paul Wilcox, Elmer Gaddis Jr., and Jimmy Gaddis; two sisters JoAnn Dockins and Linda McKeehan.

He was retired from Eaton Corporation and owner and operator of Gaddis Rebuilt Washers and Dryers for almost 20 years. He was a member of North Cleveland Baptist Church and served in the Baptist Men for Mission. He enjoyed volunteering at Ocoee Outreach to help others. His true passion was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. They were the joy of his life.

He leaves behind survivors to cherish his memory, his wife of 45 years Freda Gaddis of Cleveland; sons and Daughter-in-law: Donald "Donnie" Gaddis Jr (Cathy Gaddis) of Athens and John Gaddis of Cleveland; Daughters and Sons-in-law: Paula Bishop (Brian), Shannon Lingerfelt (Chris) both of Athens and Candace Suits (Aaron) of Knoxville; Sister and Brother-in-law: Barbara Pate (Jim) of FL and Sister-in-law: Helen Gaddis of Loudon and Barbara Gaddis of Cleveland; five Grandchildren: Fiona Smith, Grant Smith, Ashley Messina, Michael Gaddis (Audrey), Matthew Gaddis and Caylee Suits; four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5 pm until 7 pm on Thursday, July 13th at the Cleveland Chapel of Companion Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 7 pm. He will be laid to rest at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Athens, TN on Friday July 14th at 9:30 am. A funeral procession will leave the Athens Chapel of Companion Funeral Home at 9:15am.

Dr. Jay McCluskey will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution to Ocoee Outreach of Cleveland, TN., address 2707 North Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37312 or online at https://www.ocoeeoutreach.org/contact-us/.