Clarence Ronny Gaddy

Ron was born on May 27, 1943, in Houston, Texas, the fifth of five children born to Herschell Gaddy Sr. and Virginia Hazel Gaddy. He grew up in Austin, where his faith took root early. He was baptized at Tarry Town Baptist Church and later became a member of The Worship Place in Sun City.

It was in Austin that Ron met the love of his life, Oretta “Retta” Schmidt. High school sweethearts, they married on February 16, 1963, beginning a partnership that would span 62 years and become the foundation of a close-knit family. Together, they raised three children—Kim, Mark, and Dana—and built a life centered on faith, hard work, and time spent together. Ron and Retta were especially grateful for their growing family, which came to include six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, all of whom brought them immense pride and joy.

Ron was a man who believed in working with his hands and building something meaningful. He began his career at Lefflers Millwork in Austin, where he developed a love for small business and craftsmanship. Under the guidance of his father-in-law, Gus Schmidt, he learned the cabinetry trade—skills that would shape his life’s work. Ron and Retta went on to own and operate Buell Mill Manufacturing for many years, followed by Austin Auto Color. Through these ventures, Ron built not only successful businesses, but also lasting relationships grounded in honesty and respect.

To those who knew him best, Ron will be remembered as a gentle, soft-spoken man whose quiet strength spoke volumes. His greatest joy was his family. He spent countless hours coaching his daughters’ softball teams and proudly watching his son play saxophone in the high school band. There were boy scouting adventures, hunting trips, and days spent riding horses together as a family.

Ron found peace and happiness in the outdoors. Whether hunting in the Texas Hill Country, teaching others as an NRA instructor, or saltwater fishing along the Texas coast, he was most at home under an open sky. He loved telling stories—especially about his unforgettable hunting trip through Wyoming and Montana—and cherished every opportunity to share those experiences with family and friends. In retirement, Ron and Retta created a special place for their family in Rockport, Texas, where laughter, fishing lines, and treasured memories were always in abundance. Ron often said, “A bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work.”

Ron is preceded in death by his beloved wife Retta Gaddy, his parents, Herschell and Virginia Gaddy, and his four siblings, Herschel Gaddy Jr., Beth Freeman, Charles Gaddy, and Barbara Gaddy. He is survived by his children, Kim Wiggins, Mark (Teri) Gaddy and Dana (GW) Hildebrand: his grandchildren, Megan (Trey) Wiggins Mattox and Jake (Hayley) Wiggins, Ryan (Lily) Gaddy, Andrew (Madison) Gaddy, and Rachel and Lillian Hildebrand; his great-grandchildren, Beau, Delilah, and Lillian Mattox and Elijah and Eloise Hanson, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces/nephews.

The Celebration of Life Service to honor Clarence Ronny Gaddy will be Friday, May 29, at 1:00pm at The Worship Place, located at 811 Sun City Blvd, Georgetown, TX 78633. A reception will follow at the Wesleyan West Building at 139 Estrella Crossing in the Scenic View room on the 3rd floor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Worship Place, or to the American Heart Association.