John Croom Gaddy of Raeford departed his earthly life on Saturday, March 29, 2025, while a resident of Valley Hospice House of Fayetteville, NC.  Born on August 9, 1942, he is the son of the late Evander Earl and Mary Ella Orr Gaddy.  Also preceding him in death are brothers—Carl W. Gaddy, Sr. and Ernest Gaddy.

Left to cherish his memory are his nieces and nephews—Donna Gaddy Rogers of Jacksonville (NC), Carl W. Gaddy, Jr. and wife Donna Marie of Kenansville, Bradley T. Gaddy of Jacksonville (NC), Marie Land and husband David of Reidsville (NC), Scott Gaddy of Reidsville, and Edward Gaddy of Reidsville.

Mr. Gaddy was born in Duplin County and spent much of his early life in the area.  After high school and at the age of twenty-two, he joined the United States Army and was in the army reserve for six years.  For a great deal of his work career, he was a technician for Carolina Telephone and worked almost exclusively in the Fayetteville area.  He had a vast knowledge of the telephone system on the base at Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force base, so the company wanted him to remain there until his retirement after more than thirty years.  During his entire life he maintained a passion for antique automobiles.  After his retirement and having never married, his life centered around visiting his nieces and nephews, which he did almost every weekend.

The family will greet friends at a visitation set for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, in the chapel of Padgett Funeral Home followed by a service to celebrate his life at 2:00 p.m.  After the service interment will be in the Peniel Church Cemetery on 2438 Willard Road, Willard, NC