Charles E Padgett

LEXINGTON - A celebration of the life of Charles Ellison "Buddy" Padgett, 78, will take place on Sunday, September 8, 2013, at 3:00 p.m., at St. Andrews Baptist Church sanctuary, 230 Bush River Road, Columbia. The family will receive friends in the church chapel beginning at 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. prior to the celebration. The burial service will be private. Buddy passed from this life into life eternal while at Agape Hospice House on Thursday, September 5, 2013 following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Buddy was born in Greenville, SC on December 12, 1934, to Ellison L. and Ethel W. Padgett. He graduated from Dreher High School, where he was captain of the basketball team, and from the University Of South Carolina School Of Business in 1959. After graduation he worked for the original Columbia Hospital in the accounting department, then became involved in the construction of and move to Richland Memorial Hospital. In 1973, he began work at the Lexington Medical Center as Facilities Coordinator for the second building phase. He retired in 1989 as Vice President of Planning and Development, having coordinated the hospital’s growth from three floors to its present nine. After retirement, he worked part time for the Lutheran Homes of South Carolina, coordinating the renovation of existing buildings at the Lowman Home (now Heritage at Lowman) and construction of the activity and chapel building. He also oversaw the construction and move of the Franke Home from Charleston to Mt. Pleasant.

Buddy was an active member of St. Andrews Baptist Church where he served as deacon, sanctuary choir member, Sunday School teacher, basketball coach, and on numerous church committees. Through the church, he volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Camp Kemo, Camp Discovery, Kids Café, and for the past five years was a Home Room Grandparent for Ms. Tobias’s 5-year kindergarten class at Rhame Elementary School. He was also a volunteer at Lexington Medical Center for many years. Music was a very important part of Buddy's life. In addition to singing with St. Andrews Baptist Church sanctuary choir, he also sang with the Palmetto Mastersingers and the Arpad Darazs singers. He loved all music, but particularly Christmas music, which he turned on faithfully and loudly after Thanksgiving dishes were cleared every year. He also enjoyed playing golf with his many friends from St. Andrews Baptist. In retirement, his happiest times were spent playing golf, traveling with family and friends, and attending his grandchildrens’ events. He never turned down Snickers, Rush’s chocolate milkshakes, or banana splits.

Buddy was a gentle pillar of integrity, patience, and kindness for his family, his friends, and all who knew him. He set an example of Christ-like living for his children, as reflected through his dedication to his church, his love and respect for his wife, his steadfast determination to do the right thing even when doing so was hard or unpopular, and never saying an unkind word about anyone. He will be sorely missed.

Buddy leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Mary Emrie Padgett, who has been his constant, faithful, and patient caregiver during these difficult days. Also left behind are his children and grandchildren who lovingly called him “Bud”: son David (Sharon) of Dallas, NC; son Stephen (Donna) of Batesburg, SC; daughter Lynn Beard (Neal) of Columbia; grandchildren Morgan Padgett Free (Rick) of Lexington; Joshua Padgett of New Bern, NC; Gracie Beard of Memphis, TN; Ashleigh Padgett of Richmond, VA; Daniel Padgett of Batesburg, SC; Katharine Gregory of Columbia, and Mary Martha Beard of Columbia. He was excited to recently become great-grandfather to twins Emmalyn and Cason Free of Lexington, SC. Also surviving are his sister Barbara Morgan of Nashville, TN; brother Joe (Joy) Padgett of Georgetown, SC; sister-in-law Jean Padgett of Chapin, SC, and many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. He also leaves behind his special friend, Bandit. He was pre-deceased by his daughter-in-law, Terre Mosier Padgett; brother, David Padgett, and brother-in-law, Dr. Leonard Morgan.

The family wishes to thank the kind and dedicated nursing and physical therapy staff of Lexington Medical Center Floor 7, as well as special LMC guardian angel Juanita McDaniel. The family is also grateful beyond words for caring neighbors Barbara, Aubrey, Darlene, and Arnie.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Andrews Baptist Church, 230 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC, 29210; The Rooms of Your Life, P.O. Box 601, Chapin, SC, 29036, or to the charity of one’s choice.