Richard Merrill Padgett Sr.

Richard was born in Tattnall County, GA and moved to Darien, GA around 1950 with his family along with shrimp boats that were floated down the Altamaha River. After graduating from Darien High School, Richard worked at Diamond Construction as a crane operator, then was a shrimp boat Captain for a number of years. He then went to work at B & W as a welder for 13 years. He changed career paths and began working in the trucking industry as owner/operator at Quick Transport, Inc., and was co-owner of B & L Express, Inc. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Darien where he held many leadership positions including Branch President and Stake President of the Kingsland Georgia Stake.

Richard loved being outdoors hunting, hiking and camping. He enjoyed farming and gardening and loved to fish. He was a hard worker; he never sat idly and was always on the go. But he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Lyman and Audrey Kicklighter Padgett; a son, Wilson Dean Padgett; a grandson, Christopher Lyman Padgett; a brother, Lyman Charles Padgett and two sisters, Martha Ann Greiner and Mamie Marline Padgett.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Elizabeth “Libby” Padgett; seven children, Richard Merrill Padgett, Jr. (Sharon) of Darien, Donise Melton of Darien, Dianne Schimmel (Walter) of Brookhaven, MS, Dale Padgett of Darien, Jonathan Merrill Padgett (Jo Anna) of Haines City, FL, Joseph Richard Padgett (Julia) of Brunswick and Jenni Padgett of Darien; two sisters, Sharon Rozier of Savannah and Judi Roland of Atlanta, a brother, Melvin Padgett (Cindy) of Darien; 19 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be Wednesday at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Darien. Burial will follow in Pigott Branch Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Ludowici.

Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.edomillerandsons.com