Obituaries:  J. R. (Rheet) Paddie, Sabine Parish       P-300
Source:  Sabine Index, Many, La., Oct 18, 1979
Submitted by: Carl Dilbeck
              carlrad@earthlink.net




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J. R. (Rheet) Paddie (Photo)

  The body of J. R. (Rheet) Paddie, 51, of Zwolle, was found
entangled in a fence Friday morning, Oct. 12, at 8:14 a.m., by
Henry O'Banion, a hunter. The discovery of the body ended a four
day search headed by the Sabine Parish Sheriff's Dept., according
to Sheriff Alfice Brumley.

  Mr. Paddie was first reported missing Monday, Oct. 8, by family
members. He had last been seen Saturday afternoon, Oct. 6, after
he got off work at Bob Remedies store in Zwolle.

  Sabine Parish Sheriff's Dept. deputies, members of the Zwolle
and Florien Police Depts., members of the Many Rescue Squad, and
residents on foot and horseback were involved in the search.

  After O'Banion discovered the body, he immediately contacted
Zwolle Police Chief Quinton Brandon, who alerted other units in
the area.

  The decomposed body was found about 1/4 of a mile from the
initial search area. The body was shielded by a fallen tree.
Evidence at the scene indicated that his death was accidental.

  Mr. Paddie apparently was crawling through the fence, when he
became entangled. From all indications, he probably used his 22
single shot Winchester rifle for a prop to balance himself. The
rifle apparently went off, with the bullet entering his head
slightly below the left ear. Death was instantaneous.

  Deputies believe that Mr. Paddie had gone squirrel hunting
Saturday afternoon, and that the accident occurred sometime that
day. A squirrel remained tied to his belt.

  The body was transferred to Bossier General Hospital for an
autopsy by Dr. George McCormick, by Warren Meadows Funeral Home.

  The preliminary autopsy report reveals that Mr. Paddie was the
victim of a hunting accident. The final report, though, has not
been received by the Sheriff's Dept. as of press time.

  Funeral services for Mr. Paddie were held at St. Joseph's
Catholic Church Monday, Oct. 15, at 10 a.m. Father Patrick Scully
officiated. Burial was in the St. Catherine Cemetery, under the
direction of the Warren Meadows Funeral Home.

  Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Mary Laverne Paddie of Zwolle;
three daughters, Billie Wanda Paddie of Fisher, Myrtle Ann Miller
of Florien, and Annette Paddie; four sons, Curtis Allen Paddie,
Richard Paddie, Johnny Rheet Paddie Jr., and Robert Lynn Paddie,
all of Zwolle; three sisters, Mrs. Josie Marie Ethridge of
Mansfield, Mrs. Jack Ebarb of Longstreet, and Mrs. Bobby
Blankenship of Shreveport; three brothers, Tommy Paddie of
Shreveport, John Paddie of Converse, and Jodie Paddie of
Stonewall; and 11 grandchildren.