Alice Ruth “A.R.” Gaddy, 71, of Columbus, Georgia, peacefully passed
away Monday, November 21, 2022, surrounded by her
children.

A.R. was born on January 5, 1951, in Salisbury, North Carolina. She is
preceded in death by her father, Frederick Milburn Jordan; her mother,
Louise Farrar Jordan; and her sister Carol Ann Jordan. She is survived by
her loving children, William “Will” Franklin Gaddy III of Denver, CO,
Frederick “Rick” David Gaddy (Jennifer) of Weaverville, NC, and Allison
Judah Gaddy (Justin) of Columbus, GA. She leaves behind four
granddaughters, Kailey Ann Judah, Kelsey Lynn Judah, Aurelia Le’Vick
Gaddy, and Leiorah Josephine Gaddy.

A.R. delighted in recollecting the many places throughout the Southeast
that she lived as a child, having attended multiple Christian boarding schools throughout her childhood.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Education at Auburn University she settled in Columbus, Georgia
where she began teaching P.E. at Arnold Middle School. Shortly after, A.R would fulfill her ultimate
calling from God to become a fully devoted mother to her three children.
Devotion is somehow an understatement to describe the level of love, loyalty, and enthusiasm she had for
her children. In 1981, she appeared on the front page of The Columbus Ledger Enquirer’s Living section
for her decision to have a home birth with her second child, Rick. At that time, a hospital birth meant that
she would be separated from Rick and her oldest son Will after birth. Having a homebirth at this time
highlights her prodigious advocacy for her family as a unit. Until her death, she spoke with her children
nearly every day, keeping diligent accounts of everyone’s activities, and lending a loving ear to both their
joys and hardships. A.R. never forgot an important date or missed an opportunity to sing the Happy
Birthday song in its entirety to her children and their family members.
A.R.’s love for her children and overall positive way in which she viewed the world is best reflected in
the scripture of 1 John 4:19, “we love because he first loved us”. God’s modeling of pure love inspired
and strengthened A.R. to become the shining light everyone knew her to be. A.R. was a devout Christian
and would not hesitant to tell you that. A.R. was also a gifted musician. During her life, she spread the
holy word by singing in the choir and playing the piano and organ for local churches. During her last days
on Earth, she could be found ministering to hospital staff. Most recently, she was an active member of
Striplin Terrace United Methodist Church.

Second only to God and family, was A.R.’s devout fandom for Auburn football. She also loved watching
the Atlanta Braves, telling stories, talking on the phone, and eating shrimp. She believed laughter was
truly the best medicine and she had a loud uproarious laugh that was contagious. She was an incredibly
fun person to be around. She exuded warmth with her ability to accept you just as you were in the
moment. Her children carry on her Godliness, warmth, musical abilities, non-judgment, and fun-loving
nature in their own unique ways that are so clearly pieces of their mother. To know them is to know her.

Her journey home service was held Sunday, November 27, 2022 at 2:30 PM at Wynnbrook Baptist
Church, conducted by Ed Grifenhagen. Please send any flowers to Allison Judah at
6538 Highridge Dr. Columbus, Georgia. The family is requesting any donations in A.R.’s name go to
M2540 charity organization. Donation details can be found via the following link:
www.m2540columbus.com/give