Samuel Gaddy McDonald Jr.

Gaddy McDonald, age 83 of Gatesville, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 27, 2026 at Live Oak Baptist Church with Pastor David Diggs officiating. Private family burial will follow at the McDonald Family Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to services at the church.

Samuel Gaddy McDonald Jr. was born May 17, 1942, in Gatesville, Texas, to the late Samuel Gaddy and Lila Dean Gannaway McDonald. He grew up and attended school in Gatesville, graduating from Gatesville High School in 1961. After graduation, he spent time in Marfa, Texas working as a cowboy on a ranch before returning home. On December 7, 1963, he married Joyce Ann Drosche, sharing 60 wonderful years together before her passing in 2023. In 1967, he enlisted into the United States Army and later transferred to the Army Reserves, receiving an honorable discharge. In 1982, Gaddy began working as a carpenter at Fort Hood, where he dedicated 30 years before retiring.

In retirement, Gaddy gave generously of his time to the Gatesville community. He volunteered with the Meals on Wheels program in Coryell County, served as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, and contributed his time to the Coryell Museum and Historical Center. He was an avid domino player and coffee drinker and spent most of his lunch time at the Gatesville Senior Center, where he was a familiar face. Gaddy was always sure to schedule his appointments around his lunchtime, so that he could enjoy visiting with his many friends.  In his younger years, he and Joyce especially loved dancing together, often to their favorite song, “Silver Wings”.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, John Gilmer; his loving wife, Joyce Ann McDonald; and his nephew Travis Pruitt.

Gaddy is survived by his son, Allen McDonald and wife, Cindi; daughter, Angie Modisett and husband, Andrew; sisters, JoAnn Jolly and husband, Richard, and Cheryel Pruitt and husband, Larry; grandchildren, Megan Nichols, Whittlei Mayhew, Carsyn Modisett, and Tristan Modisett; six great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Meals on Wheels Program, c/o Gatesville Senior Center, 208 N. Lutterloh, Gatesville, Texas 76528.