David "Wayne" Padgett

David “Wayne” Padgett

Avera, GA  –               David “Wayne” Padgett, 67, loving husband of 37 years to Marsha Usry Padgett, entered into his eternal rest Thursday morning, September 27, 2018 at Select Specialty Hospital in Augusta. Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday morning, October 1, 2018 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with the Reverend Frank Thigpen officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Born and raised in Avera, Wayne was one of three sons born to Malene Story Padgett and the late Johnnie F. Padgett Sr.  He went to school in Avera until the school’s closing, was a 1967 graduate of Wrens High School after which he worked as a carpenter and in maintenance at Forestman.  While working there, he met the love of his life, married and raised a family in Avera.  Wayne had 28 years of service when Forestman closed.  He then graduated from Sandersville Tech and was a welding instructor there until he became disabled in 2002.  As a young man, he joined in the fellowship with Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and served his Lord and Savior until his health decline. Wayne worked hard to provide for his family.  An outdoorsman, his favorite pasttimes were hunting, fishing, and working and playing with his hunting dogs.  He could often be found regaling friends with stories of the “good ‘ole days” and telling his grandkids tales of his hunting expeditions. Wayne was also a baseball enthusiast—he loved the Braves—and was always in attendance at his kids and grandkids baseball games. He always watched the weather forecast, local news and his westerns. A loyal friend and strong-willed, fair-minded man, he loved people and was known for his generosity and helping others anyway he could.  A loyal friend, dedicated husband and loving father, he loved his family unconditionally—his grandchildren stole his heart and gave him great joy.  His death leaves a void that no one can fill; but his love leaves memories that no one can steal.

Other survivors include his children, Doodle Padgett (Tabby), Casey Reid (Jess), Nick Dowdy (Mindy) and Brian Dowdy (Ashley); two brothers, Johnnie Padgett, Jr. (Sherry) and Charles Padgett (Sue); twelve grandchildren, Mason Padgett, Jacob Pittman, Easton Pittman, Caleb Pittman, Joss Reid, Kaylee Reid, Rhett Reid, Abby Dowdy, Austin Dowdy, Hailey Dowdy, Lexi Dowdy and Luke Dowdy; nieces, nephews and friends. Pallbearers will be Chris Brooks, Billy Davis, Neil Griswell, Jim Holton, Matthew Norton, John Padgett, Michael Padgett and Robert Sutton. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Earl Beasley, Grady Benson, Wade Brooks, Craig Davis, Billy Faglier, Jackson Poss and Tommy Sheppard.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Sunday evening, September 30, 2018.

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To Those Whom I Love