Thomas Arthur Caddell was born in Decatur, Alabama, on July 19, 1936, the son of John Andrew Caddell and Lucy Harris Caddell. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1954 and the University of Alabama in 1958, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
He received his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1960 and began his career as a law clerk to Justice Thomas Lawson at the Supreme Court of Alabama.
In 1961, Mr. Caddell returned to Decatur to practice law with the firm now known as Harris, Caddell & Shanks, working there until his retirement in 2020.
Mr. Caddell was dedicated to civic and community service. He served as Director and Committee Chairman for the March of Dimes and was active in the Kiwanis Club of Decatur, where he received the Hixson Award.
His church was central to him. At First Presbyterian Church of Decatur, he served as Deacon, Elder, and Teacher, and later a devoted member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. He was Trustee and Committee Chairman for the Presbyterian Home for Children. As Trustee of the committee for Living Waters for the World, he joined mission trips to Central America to help install water filtration systems.
Mr. Caddell was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Rebecca Pinkston Caddell, and his brother, Henry Harris “Hank” Caddell. He is survived by his daughters, Kitty Caddell White (Tryg Hoff) and Lucy Bowen Caddell Taylor; his sister, Lucinda “Lulu” Bell; his brother, John Andrew “Jack” Caddell; and his grandchildren: Isabelle O’Neal White, Rebecca Fairbanks Hart White, Virginia Worth Taylor, and Wilkinson Coats Taylor.
Above all, he cherished his family and valued close friendships. He served his community with integrity and compassion. His kindness reached far beyond his immediate circle. He touched many lives and leaves a legacy that will be remembered.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday, July 15th, at 2:30 p.m. at Decatur Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center, 207 Church St. NE. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
