Otis H. "Pokey" Gaddy Jr.

Mr. Otis H. (Pokey) Gaddy Jr. 69, of Alton, IL transitioned on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at Integrity Nursing Home in Wood River, IL.  

Otis was born on January 28, 1953, in Alton, IL to the union of Mr. Otis H. Gaddy Sr. and Mrs. Ruby R. (Nee Holliday) Gaddy both deceased, and stepfather Mr. James Musgrow also deceased. Otis received his formal education in the Alton Public School System and Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville, IL. After high school, Otis held several jobs.  He loved using his hands and wasn’t a stranger to hard work.  He was employed by “Barge Loads” in St. Louis, MO, and Groundskeeper for the City of Alton Parks and Recreation Department.

Otis was known as the original Karate Kid. He loved drinking coffee while watching television and playing the lottery. In addition to his parents and stepdad, he is preceded in death by his grandparents Mr. James C. & Mrs. Aldia O. Gaddy, Mr. Henry W. & Mrs. Rosie E Holliday, and a younger brother Mr. Mark “Al” Allan Gaddy.  Even though God saw fit to call Otis home from this earthly world, his loving heart left a beacon of light for his children, family, and all in the community.

Otis leaves to cherish his memories his three children: Mark Osborne Sr. (Maury’e, Mark Osborne Jr.) of Alton, IL, Corey Osborne Sr. (Corey Osborne Jr.) of Alton, IL, and Rose Marie Osborne (Jay’Vion, Onyai, Mina, Drazin, and Ezekiel) of Mount Vernon, IL, his thirteen siblings: Terrance Gaddy Sr of St. Louis, MO, Darlene Wigfall of Kansas City, MO Gary (Melodie) Gaddy of Alton IL, Marvin Gaddy of Kansas City, MO, Carol (Tommie) Lee of Alton IL, Donnetta( Glen Sr.) Allen of St. Louis, MO, Carman Gaddy of Alton, IL, Jamisene (Tim) Mitchell of Hazlewood, MO, Mitchell (Ann) Musgrow of Alton, IL, Joseph (Donna) Musgrow of Kansas City, MO, Michael Musgrow of Alton, IL, Myra Musgrow of Alton, IL, EnRico Gaddy of St. Louis, MO Clifford Allen of Saint Louis, Missouri and Carol White of Saint Louis, Missouri; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Obit Provided By:
Harrison Funeral Chapel