Graham Padgett Obituary

J. Graham Padgett, Jr. SMOAKS, SC - Mr. James Graham Padgett, Jr., 74, of 28295 Lowcountry Highway in the heart of Smoaks, entered into rest Monday afternoon, March 25, 2013, at the Colleton Medical Center in Walterboro. Born March 25, 1939, a native and lifelong resident of Smoaks, South Carolina, he was the son of the late James Graham Padgett, Sr. and the late Clarke Blanche Smoak Padgett. He served his country faithfully in the South Carolina National Guard before enlisting with the United States Coast Guard. He began his military career with the United States Coast Guard aboard the USS Ingram as a Gunners Mate and retired twenty-four years later after seeing action during the Vietnam Era as a Chief while aboard the USS Mellon. For over twenty years he was employed with the Colleton County School District where he retired as a Maintenance Supervisor. Graham loved the town of Smoaks and was a beloved icon within the community. He served as Mayor of the Town of Smoaks for twenty-eight years and after his last term in office was then elected to Town Council for several years. He was a member of Smoaks Baptist Church where he was active in many aspects of the church's work. At his church, he had been a member of the Deacon Board and was previously Chairman of the Deacons, served as Sunday School Director, was a Royal Ambassador's group leader, and was active in the organization and directing of church's annual Vacation Bible School. He served on the Smoaks Fire Department and was instrumental in the purchasing of the town's first fire truck. Graham was an avid Clemson Tigers fan, supporting his team with great love and always wearing his team's colors with much pride. He organized the annual reunion of the United States Coast Guard Group in Florida and was also currently serving as President of the Bells High School Class of 1956-1961 Reunion. There are many memories of the love and great character that Graham Padgett possessed. He supported his family in every aspect of their lives and was a friend to countless numbers of people whom he in some way helped in great ways. Surviving are: his loving wife for forty-five years, Mrs. Ann Waltz Padgett; a son, Robert Shan Padgett of Smoaks; and two daughters, Lynette Padgett Wilks and her husband Mark of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Crystal Padgett Warren of Walterboro. There are six grandchildren, Jessica Lyn Wilks, Madelyn Kaye Wilks, Russell Brenan Padgett, Taylor Brooke Padgett, Chase Philip Randall Carpenter, and Kaylee Elizabeth Warren; two great-grandchildren, Chassidy Carpenter and Madison Carpenter; his mother-in-law, Jewell Smith Waltz of Smoaks; and a brother-in-law, Bobby Waltz of Smoaks. There are numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins that also survive. He was preceded in death by a son, James Graham Padgett, III and by his two sisters, Shelby Jean Patton and Judy Padgett Carter. Funeral services will be conducted 11 o'clock Friday morning, March 29, 2013, from The Brice W. Herndon and Sons Funeral Chapel, Walterboro. The Reverend Jack Padgett and The Reverend Dan Stroman officiating. Interment with full military honors provided by the United States Coast Guard will follow on the family plot in Smoaks Baptist Churchyard, 482 Lodge Highway, Smoaks. For those who wish, the family has respectfully requested that memorial contributions be directed in his memory to: Friends of the Colleton County Animal Shelter, 33 Poor Farm Road, Walterboro, South Carolina 29488. For those that so desire, memorial messages and thoughts of condolence, as well as memorable recollections of Mr. Padgett may be shared with the family at the online guestbook, www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com. Family and friends are invited to call from 6 o'clock until 9 o'clock this Thursday evening at THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston