Robert "Bob" Hope Gaddie

November 11, 1935 - January 4, 2021

Robert “Bob” Hope Gaddie, 85, of Jeffersontown, entered Eternal Life on Monday, January 4, 2021. Bob was born on November 11, 1935 to the late John and Gladys Carrithers Gaddie and was a retired Fire Chief of the Jeffersontown Fire Protection District. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary Alice, his parents, and sister, Geraldine Tamme. Bob was a member of the Taylorsville Masonic Lodge #210 and Kosair Shrine Temple. He enjoyed his cabin at the lake, fishing, being with his family, working with his hands, and helping people in general. He loved socializing and never met a stranger. He was proud to be a firefighter joining in 1958 as a volunteer and serving as Chief from 1964 to 1996. He was a leader and mentor to many, served his community, and was dedicated to the fire service. One of the first lime-yellow fire trucks in Jefferson County, if not the whole state, was purchased while Bob was Chief. He picked up that truck in April of 1973 and drove it about 800 miles from Elmira, NY saying that it did fine on its maiden voyage. He believed the light color was highly visible and was a safety factor. The color affectionately became known as “Gaddie Green”. During his career he was heavily involved with the WHAS Crusade for Children, a longtime Kentucky Fire School Instructor, and served as an original member and vice-chair on the Governor’s Fire Commission under four Governors. His legislative efforts through his many years of service enhanced the benefits for firefighters and every department in the Commonwealth. He was also one of the few to serve as a two-time President of the Kentucky Firefighters Association in 1978-79 and 1988-89. Bob became a member of the KFA Hall of Fame in 2004. Left to cherish his memory is his son, Robbie Gaddie (Stephanie); daughter, Amanda Ragland (Tony); grandchildren, Benjamin and Matthew Ragland; brothers, Ronnie Gaddie (Sarah), John Mark Gaddie (Joyce) and sister, Mary Lou Florence (Billy). Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2021, 2 to 8 pm, at Ratterman and Sons Funeral Home, 10600 Taylorsville Road, Jeffersontown, KY. The Funeral Service will be 11 am Friday, January 8. 2021 at the Funeral Home followed by burial at Resthaven Cemetery. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the WHAS Crusade for Children in Bob’s name.