Joseph Leo Gaddis

Joseph Leo Gaddis
Clemson, SC

Joseph Leo Gaddis, 83, husband of Wanda Jean "Jeanie" Gaddis, passed peacefully to his heavenly home on March 14, 2023. He entered glory solely on the merits of his Savior’s atoning sacrifice.

Leo was born in Dallas, Texas, son of the late William Rees and Etewanda Riddle Gaddis. After receiving BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from New Mexico State University, he earned a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in 1969. Leo worked for LTV Aerospace Corporation in Dallas during the Apollo program where he engaged in advanced spacecraft thermal analysis and spray-flash evaporator technology. He joined the Mechanical Engineering faculty of Clemson University in 1972 where he taught and performed research for 34 years.

Leo had many diverse interests including classical music, fly-fishing, physics, baseball, woodworking, handball, travel, and time spent with family and friends. A talented musician, Leo enjoyed singing and playing French horn in local choral and orchestral groups. He was a founding member of Clemson Presbyterian Church, where he used his talents to serve.

Surviving are his wife, Jeanie, of 63 years; son, Benjamin Gaddis (Evelyn) of Clemson, SC; daughter, Ettamarie West (Doug) of Arden, NC; brother, William R. Gaddis, Jr. (Linda) of Round Rock, TX; and sister, Wanda Lee Richardson of El Paso, TX. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Caroline, Rees, William, Benjamin, Holly, Ashlyn, Emily, and Mary Evelyn, and 3 great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be at 1pm on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Clemson Presbyterian Church. The family will greet friends at the church immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Clemson Presbyterian Church, 346 Old Greenville Hwy, Clemson, SC 29631 or Reformed University Fellowship, www.givetoruf.org (Clemson University ministries).

Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations is assisting the family.