Final Salute

Roy Jefferson “Jeff” Gaddis, 75, of the Walkerville community in Columbia County, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026 at Willis-Knighton Piermont in Shreveport, LA.

Jeff was born on May 2, 1950 in Shreveport to the late Joseph Jefferson Gaddis and Geraldine Lucy Chaffin Gaddis.

A proud patriot, Jeff honorably served his country in the United States Navy as a Seabee, completing two tours during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1972. Following his military service, he spent many years as a truck driver, traveling the country and embracing the freedom of the open road which led him to visit 49 of the 50 states. He also worked in the oil field and retired from M.I. Swaco in 1999.

Jeff was a member of New Era Methodist Church and lived a life defined by service to others. Nowhere was that more evident than in his dedication to the Walkerville Volunteer Fire Department, where he served his community for over 50 years, including six years as fire chief before his recent retirement.

He had a deep love for traveling and experiencing new places, but his greatest love was always his family, especially his four daughters, who were the pride and joy of his life. Jeff never met a stranger and treasured time spent with both lifelong friends and new acquaintances, including his regular visits to AmJenn’s in Springhill, LA. In his quieter moments, he found joy in restoring old Jeeps with his son-in-law Billy, a hobby that reflected his patience, skill, and appreciation for bringing things back to life.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jeff is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Stephenson (Billy) of Walkerville, Jamie Wyatt (Bryan) of Robeline, LA, Jessica English (Mark) of Henderson, TX, and Carole Hendrix (Cory) of El Dorado; 13 grandchildren, Clayton, Curtis, Bryan, Matthew, Macy, Dustin, Dylan, Meaghan, Destiny, Mia, Maddie Jo, Harrison, and Lorelai; 10 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Linda Caffarel (Richard), Julie Allen (Richard), and Norma Neuman; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation with the family will be from 12:30-2 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2026 at Lewis Funeral Home in Magnolia. A graveside service with military honors will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Western Cemetery in the Walkerville community with Dr. Payne officiating under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home, Inc.

Pallbearers will be Billy Stephenson, Bryan Wyatt, Mark English, Cory Hendrix, Bryan Stuckey and Matthew Stuckey. Honorary pallbearers are Jonathan Caffarel, Christopher Caffarel, and Richard Allen.

Memorial donations may be made to the Walkerville Volunteer Fire Department.

“Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?

The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.”

Proverbs 20:6-7