“When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.”
— George Washington Carver
WRAL-TV’s James Ford (left) joins former WRAL anchor Charlie Gaddy (right) & his wife, Nancy, as Gaddy is honored for his work in the community. |
The ballroom of the Holiday Inn Brownstone in Raleigh was filled to capacity and the attendees were there to honor a unique group of special community servants. Among them was former WRAL-TV news anchor, Charlie Gaddy.
He along with Dr. Williams T. Newkirk, Anita Robinson-Christmas, Mrs. Jessie Copeland, Dr. Enoch E. Holloway and Williams James LeCount were honored for their work in the community by the Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Alpha Epsilon Chapter.
The President of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter, Doris H. Dunston explains, “The persons being honored, in the course of their everyday challenges and responsibilities, have managed to positively impact the lives of others through their service and representation in their communities. We want them to know that their efforts have not gone unnoticed.”
“The members of Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated feel privileged to show appreciation to these unsung heroes who have given their time and talents to achieve wonderful results within their communities,” Dunston continued. “Their efforts have made the lives of many others happier and more meaningful. We thank you for all that you have done and for allowing us to recognize your accomplishments at our Unsung Hero Luncheon. May you be blessed to continue your faithful and committed work.”
Charlie Gaddy worked as a news anchor and senior editor for WRAL-TV’s news for 24 years and spent more than 30 years in broadcasting. Many will remember that he took a personal interest as senior editor in training reporter sand producers…and demanding that they report accurate information, always. He was often referred to as the “Walter Cronkite” of local news. Gaddy has been inducted into the North Carolina Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
A graduate of Guilford College he is a recipient of the Silver Circle Award presented by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. In 1994, Pembroke State University presented Gaddy with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.
Gaddy has been a volunteer for United Cerebral Palsy of North Carolina ever since WRAL-TV got him involved in its annual fundraising telethons. UCP has now joined Easter Seals, and he continues to help raise funds and be a general cheerleader for them.
Because of his tireless work, he was honored to have the child development center on Chapanoke drive in Raleigh named for him, The Charlie Gaddy Center for Children. It was recently announced that he will be inducted into the Raleigh City Museum’s Hall of Fame later this year.
Gaddy is past vice-chair of the Duke Eye Center advisory board. He was on the board during the fundraising for the new Albert Eye Institute on Duke‘s campus. His interest in a medical facility dedicated to saving sight goes back to his childhood when his father was diagnosed with glaucoma, which in those days meant eventual blindness. His father lost most of his sight. Gaddy is constantly inspired by the dedicated physicians and researchers who are so passionate about saving the sight of children and adults.
Gaddy retired from WRAL in 1994 and continues to enjoy working for community projects, writing and spending time with his wife, Nancy.
Thanks to WRAL-TV’s Clarence Williams for this capcom story & photo.
