Horace Padgett

Horace Davenport Padgett, 92, of Spartanburg, widower of the late Mildred K. Padgett, to whom he was married for over 63 years, passed away Sunday, December 11, 2016 at the Cascades Verdae, a Greenville senior retirement community. Born on April 14, 1924 he grew up in Saluda, SC, he was the son of the late Augustus (Gus) and Essie Stone Padgett. After graduating from Saluda High School in 1941, he served in the U. S. Army during World War II for four years, primarily in the European theatre. Upon returning home and while attending Newberry College, he met and married the love of his life, Mildred Kirkland, in March 1947. In June, 1947 he made another long-term commitment with his future employer, Milliken & Company, one that lasted until his retirement in 1989. That decision lead the family to Johnston for 14 years, then Pendleton for 6 years and culminated in Spartanburg at the Milliken Research Center until he retired. His devotion and commitment to the company lasted far past those short 42 years. Once a Milliken man always a Milliken man! His second career began after retirement by choosing not to rest and travel but rather to consult in the production planning and system design with smaller textile firms for several years. He also began his 10-year venture volunteering in the Probate Court of Spartanburg County. A special thanks to Judge Raymond C. Eubanks and staff. He was a Christian and had the privilege of serving as a Steward and Sunday School teacher at Johnston and Pendleton Methodist churches and continued as a member at St. Paul United Methodist Church of Spartanburg. He was active in the Johnston Lions Club, a member of the Saluda County Historical Society, and a faithful attendee of the monthly Milliken Retirees Meetings. In addition to his parents and loving wife, Mr. Padgett was preceded in death by his sister, Grace P. Boldon and brother, Augustus (Gus) Padgett, Jr. He is survived by three children: son, Horace D. Padgett, Jr (Pat) of Anderson, SC, daughters, Sandra Lee Padgett (Randall Arms) of Greer, SC, and Barbara Lynne Padgett of Charleston, SC; two granddaughters, Amanda P. Stevenson (John) of Clemson, SC and Emily Stone Padgett of Charleston, SC; and three great-granddaughters, Leila, Adair, and Vivian Stevenson, all of Clemson, SC. The family will receive friends 12:00-2:00 PM Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, December 15, 2016, in Travis Park Cemetery, Columbia Hwy 378, Saluda, SC, conducted by the Reverend Bart Sistare of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Saluda, SC with eulogy by Dr. Bela Padgette Herlong. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Morrison, Ben Pittman, Bud Whelchel, Doug Padgette, Harold Ashe, Jack Creech, Jim Folk, Joe Mattison, and Leonard Brewington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mobile Meals Service, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304 or to the charity of your choice. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Horace Davenport Padgett please visit our Sympathy Store.