Jake E. Padgett, 70, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Sunday, August 27, at his residence.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, August 29, at the Paulk Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. J.W. Taylor officiating and granddaughter, Kacie Padgett reading a poem. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 until 9, Monday evening, at the funeral home.
Mr. Padgett was born June 17, 1936, in Ben Hill County, to the late John Henry and Viola Smith Padgett. He lived in the community all of his life. Mr. Padgett was a former employee of White Swan Laundry, Gene’s Furniture Company and he retired from Delphi after over 29 years of service. He was founder of Hammer’s Gym and a competitive power lifter, holding several world and state records. Mr. Padgett was a member of Englewood Baptist Church. He was an avid fisherman and woodworker.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years: Janet Hatten Padgett of Fitzgerald; son & daughter-in-law: Ricky Emory Padgett & Donna Padgett of Fitzgerald; daughters and sons-in-law: Debra Padgett Bowen & Scott Bowen of Brunswick and Melinda Padgett Walker & Jim Walker of Fitzgerald; grandchildren: Kacie Padgett, Austin Padgett, Austin Bowen, Christian Bowen and Brett Walker; brothers: Bill Padgett of Fitzgerald, Henry Padgett of Kathleen, Thomas Padgett and Jimmy Padgett, both of Fitzgerald; sister: Betty Jean Bradford of Gray; many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by 4 brothers and 1 sister.