Eric Brian Caddy

Eric Brian Caddy, age 84, died on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at his Wildwood home in Village Mills, TX.  With his wife by his side, he passed away peacefully in his sleep after struggling with pulmonary fibrosis for 6 months.

Eric was born on January 22, 1939, to Arthur(Herb) Caddy and Henrietta(Flossie) Caddy in Woolston, England.  Despite World War II going on in Europe, Eric said he had a happy childhood playing with his friends on the farms in the English countryside.  As a young boy of 10, Eric discovered his love of bicycling and was in a local bike racing club until about age 20 when a motorcycle accident sidelined him.

His father had introduced him to books early on and this love of reading lasted a lifetime.  Eric finished school at 16 and started a 5-year apprenticeship as a Machinist-Fitter.  Once he graduated and started working, he decided to return to school at night to get his Mechanical Engineering degree.

His engineering career would eventually lead him to be a part-owner in two companies in his hometown of Warrington, England, one for engineering design and the other for construction.  In the mid-1970s, he sold out to his partner and in May 1976, immigrated to the U.S., specifically Southeast Texas, because of the petrochemical industry jobs.

His U.S. work history covered several years as a contract designer/engineer, then a 14-year period as an electrical paint contractor, and then back to engineering project management before retiring in 2001 at age 62.  In retirement, he got his CDL license and was a tour bus driver for six years for a local company.  He liked the change of pace from playing golf every day.   

Eric met his wife, Becky, when they worked together at Texaco Port Neches Asphalt Plant.  They married in September 1979.  During 43 great years together, they shared their love of family and friends, Country, Cajun and Swing music, traveling, cruising, going to the casino, reading and especially dancing.  He also loved to work on projects in his wood shop, with Becky as his able assistant.

At 47 years of age, Eric took up bicycle riding again after a 27-year break.  When he lived in Nederland, he was a member of the Triangle Road Dogs Cycling Club and trained with other local riders for the road races.  Back in those days, he would find used bicycles and fix them up to give to needy children at Christmas.

Anyone who ever knew Eric also knew he loved to ride his bike.  Living in Wildwood these last 23 years afforded him many good training rides.  He only stopped bike riding on the road at age 82 when his doctors advised him to.  A few years back, Eric even rode motorcycle sport bikes with a group jokingly called the Wildwood Squirrels. 

Folks will remember Eric for his strong conservative political views.  Back before there was Facebook, he was well-known for his Letters to the Editor of the Beaumont Enterprise on subjects he felt need to be discussed.

His other life-long passion was English soccer.  Manchester United had been his favorite team since he was a schoolboy.  It was only in later years that he was able to again view the games here in the U.S. on satellite TV.   

Eric was always a great father to his son and best buddy, Stuart John Caddy, of Oreland, PA. 

Besides his wife and son, Eric is survived by sister-in law, Lucia Hyde of Van Vleck, TX, and 2 brothers-in law, Denis Savoy and wife Mildred, of Groves, TX and Stephen Savoy and wife Tricia of Burnet, TX, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families, as well as many dear friends and golf/cycling buddies.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Many thanks to the caregivers of Harbor Hospice (Jasper and Beaumont) for their kind support during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 18, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Mark's Catholic Church Silsbee. Eric's life honoring memorial service will begin at 12:00 p.m. following the visitation.