Mabry Caddis

At home with his family, "Caddis," as he was known to all, passed away Thursday, May 19, 2011. A native of Brent, Ala., he had been a resident of Baton Rouge since his arrival on a football scholarship to LSU in 1942. His service in the U.S. Navy interrupted his playing career, though he returned to Baton Rouge following service aboard the USS San Diego in the Pacific, and completion of his college education in Los Angeles. Love for his service and country endured as he often wore his reunion jacket and cap from annual gatherings of the crew of his ship. Born March 20, 1923, his families were among the earliest settlers in Alabama. Two dwellings from the families are preserved in Tangier State Park as part of his heritage, of which he was proud. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Pearson and Vergie Stewart Caddis; brother, Benjamin; and sister, Lula Mae Duncan. His wife of 47 years and mother of his three stepchildren, Martha Knight Caddis, passed away in 2001. She had been a source of strength and love. He eagerly shared memories. His stepson, Charles Harold "Butch" James, preceded both in death. "Caddis" leaves Martha Kay Williams, Baton Rouge, her son, Jason Todd Williams, Jacksonville, Fla., and Roger Graham James, Baton Rouge. His passions were sports and his patriotic support of his country. Attending each baseball game since the arrival of Skip Bertman, he was proud of the birthday celebration at the Alex Box Stadium, gifts, including personal notes from athletic director Bertman and coach Manieri on an enlarged photograph presented to him by his "baseball family" on his 87th birthday. His attendance at both baseball and basketball games continued until impaired mobility prevented his regular attendance. Active in the Navy War Veterans Association and VFW, his visits to the World War II Museum in New Orleans included viewing the commemorative brick with his name. Service to others was important, as a Shriner, officer in the Masonic lodge, in the Optimist Club and the International Association of Electrical Inspectors. Employment included Ethyl Corp, Wyandotte Chemicals, LSU, a Travelers Insurance Agency, Caddis Electric Co., public relations for Dixie Electric Cooperative and until his retirement at age 72, he was chief of electrical inspectors with the East Baton Rouge city-parish government. His friends at the barbershop, regularly visited, and at commercial establishments always knew him for his humor and kindness, which continued until the last days of his Iife. The family wishes to thank Hospice of Baton Rouge staff for their professionalism and genuine compassion shown, especially Trista. Visiting at Greenoaks Funeral Home on Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. until service at noon. Burial will be private. He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Martha.