Walter Conroy Gaddis

Walter Conroy Gaddis of Clay Springs, Arizona died peacefully at his home following a lengthy illness. He was 86 years old. Walter was born on November 11, 1923 in Dalton, Georgia to the late Walter Andrew and Eleandor (Jackson) Gaddis. He married the former Virginia Marvene Cantrell on August 16, 1945. They were married for 52 years when she passsed away in 1998. Walter was very proud of his country and was extremely patriotic. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII and the Korean Conflict. He was there the day the Allied Forces liberated Europe from its enemies. After serving 20 years in the Navy, he received his honorable discharge in 1962. Everyone he knew considered him to be a true patriot. He volunteered countless hours at the VA Hospital in Phoenix for many years. He recognized that the U.S. Constitution was a divinely inspired document and that it was meant to last, not just for now, but forever. He was a selfless man when it came to his country and fellow veterans; always giving heart-felt help and service to all. He was a frequent volunteer at many schools in Glendale. He would share his first-hand experiences of WWII and was able to instill to the students his sense of love for his fellow patriots, his country and for The U.S. Constitution. He knew that the freedoms we enjoy, as Americans, had a price, and he was ever willing to pay that price. He was a devoted family man and was a loving husband to his wife, loving dad to his children and caring "Papa" to his grandchildren. He will be missed by many, but none will miss him more than his own family. Heaven rejoiced when this angel was called home. Walter is survived by his daughter, Connie Gaddis of Clay Springs, Arizona; son, John M. Gaddis of Rancho Santa Margarita, California; 4 grandchildren: Sharron (Bryan) Siewert of Pasadena, California, Walter L.E. Nesbitt of Phoenix, Arizona, Desiree (John) Trujillo of Morrilton, Arkansas, Kimberly (Cliff) Bodie of Rancho Santa Margarita, California; 7 great-grandchildren: Christopher Siewert of Pasadena, California, Andrew Siewert of Pasadena, California, Shari Eason of Morrilton, Arkansas, Katie Newbitt of Morrilton, Arkansas, Seavanna Trujillo of Morrilton, Arkansas, Nancy Trujillo of Morrilton, Arkansas and Morrigan Trujillo of Morrilton, Arkansas. In addition to his beloved wife, Walter was also preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Linda Gaddis in 2005. Private family services will be held at a later date. Contributions to the White Mountain Hospice Foundation, 1789 W. Commerce Drive, Lakeside, Arizona 85929 or to the American Diabetes Foundation, 8125 N. 23rd Avenue, #222, Phoenix, Arizona 85021 have been suggested by his family.