Billy L Padgett

Billy Lamar Padgett, aged 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on September 24, 2024. He was born on July 6, 1937, in Mt. Holly, North Carolina to William Garland Padgett and Gladys Powell Padgett. During his childhood, his family moved around N.C. then finally settled in Tennessee. Billy was a standout baseball and basketball player at Lenoir City High School. Following his high school graduation, he served in the Marines and received a basketball scholarship to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He graduated with an MBA degree in economics and business administration. Billy went on to become a financial consultant before dedicating his work to disaster relief with the SBA.

Billy's life was characterized by his steadfast faith in God. His commitment to his faith and his passion for helping those in need such as St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Native Americans, and Samaritan's Purse reflected his generous nature. He will be remembered for his unique ability to make others smile and laugh, profoundly affecting everyone he met. In his leisure time he enjoyed visits to Fripp Island S.C., reading, animals and watching college basketball, especially Tennessee and Duke, as well as western movies.

Billy is survived by his cherished wife of 62 years, Wilma Arden Padgett, his daughter, Daphne Hopkins (Wayne), and his grandchildren, Tori Hopkins and Cody Hopkins; by loving family members, Jonathan McGuffin (Karen), Lorrie Bray (David), Michael McGuffin (Bonnie), Tisha Padgett, Sarah Kirkland Gass, by his brother-in-law, Owen Arden (Jennie), Erika Newman (Dan), Sloane Baker Tillman, along with many other relatives in Tennessee and North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Garland and Gladys Ellen; his brother Ralph Padgett and his sister Linda McGuffin.

A private military honors service will be held for family and close friends on October 7, 2024 at the Georgia National Cemetary in Canton, GA.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to www.stjude.org/tribute or Donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (michaeljfox.org)