Bill Frank Caddell

Everyone who met Bill knows how difficult it is to summarize the impact he left behind. He was a devoted husband to Carol for 53 years, a loving father to KC and Kayla, and a supportive grandfather to 10 grandchildren. Bill was also a long time member of the Gilbert/Chandler Community bands and spent 28 years as a music teacher at various schools in the Chandler and Higley districts. When called upon, he would come out of retirement to teach at a couple of local schools and private lessons. He encouraged kids at all levels to do their best and volunteered his time to make sure students had the resources for success. He even helped start the strings program for Chandler, which enabled kids to learn instruments till this day.

Bill played many instruments and could play almost any song he heard by ear. It was a fabulous gift he humbly didn’t boast about but was always impressive to witness. Bill’s favorite instrument was the clarinet; which he took with him everywhere. One of his fondest memories was getting to play Bourbon St, Louisiana while on a trip with his wife and eldest granddaughter. He loved to perform, but mostly he enjoyed the people he would meet afterwards. The word “stranger” did not exist in Bill’s vocabulary.

His superpower was his ability to walk up to anyone and befriend them. Everything he said came from a positive, glass ¾ full, mentality. People gravitated towards him due to his genuine nature. He was unassuming and had a gift of putting people at ease. He spoke with a purpose and calm that encouraged people to open-up and see things in a different light.

Bill never had a bad thing to say about anyone, and in kind that same applies to Bill. When we remember him we use words like kind, warm, caring, thoughtful, and generous. He was always there to lend a hand or go out of his way to help people and make them feel valuable. We remember Bill’s legacy as one full of laughter, love, and music.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please consider donating to the Parkinson’s foundation below.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on March 25th, from 2-5pm at Freestone Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com for the Caddell family.