Rex Gene Padgett

Rex Eugene “Gene” Padgett, 97, of Lake Talquin in Gadsden County, Florida, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025, after a short illness. He continued work right up until April 17th, a week before his homegoing.

Gene was born January 10, 1928, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida to Charles Rex and Ethel Mae McBroom Padgett in DeFuniak Springs, FL.

Gene eventually moved to Chattahoochee, FL, and opened a watch repair shop on Main Street. He would soon be introduced to Ms. Joyce Bates of Bainbridge, GA, and marry on October 17, 1956. They made their home in Chattahoochee and had 5 children, plus Gene’s son, Tommy.

Gene and Joyce were a team and worked together through the years, transforming the shop into the premier place for shopping for the perfect jewelry gift and offering a bridal registry. The shop is still known today as Padgett’s Jewelers.

Work and family took most of Gene’s time, but he always loved the outdoors and would slip off with his buddies on hunting and fishing trips. In November 1964, at age 37, Gene and his hunting buddies ventured back into Tate’s Hell for the annual “drift-hunt” on Caesar Creek. The adventure was published in Outdoor Life Magazine in July 1965. Gene passed his love of the outdoors to his children.

In addition to outdoor life, he dominated on a pool table and ran the chessboard. Again, all skills were passed along to children and grandchildren who showed interest. However, he was not the Dad or “Awpaw” who would let them win regardless of their age. It was always a teaching moment. If they won, it was because they had gained a skill – he gave no participation trophies.

At age 93, Gene was diagnosed with cancer. The doctor gave him options, of which he opted for surgery, and later, our local dentist, Dr. Greg, would give Dad the option of a 5-year or 10-year plan for his teeth. Gene took the ten-year plan!

Gene was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 66 years, his son Greg (Silva) Padgett, grandchildren: SSG Tim Padgett and Rex Donald Padgett, and siblings: Lucille Stewart, Charlie “Bill” Padgett, and Joyce Gray.

Gene is survived by children: Tommy (Marilyn) Padgett, Kim Padgett, Beth Padgett, Michael (Dorislynn) Padgett, and Clifford Padgett, Grandchildren: Serena Padgett, Cliff (Courtney) Padgett, Rex (Autumn) Devin Padgett, Lynn Padgett, Ande (Andrew) Clark, Wren (Leah)Andrews, Savannah Padgett, and Blair Padgett; Great Grandchildren: Devin Floyd, Summer Padgett, Wyatt Clark, and Rose Clark; Siblings: Bessie Lewis and Judy Mitchell along with many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.

The graveside funeral service ( a celebration of his life ) will be held at 1:30 PM on Friday, May 2, 2025, with Brother Bill Scott officiating the service: At Cedar Grove Cemetery in Climax, GA, (Georgia Hwy 262 Climax, GA) 

The family will receive friends at Faith Funeral Home Chapel in Havana, one hour before the service. (12 noon until 1:00 PM). The funeral procession to the cemetery will leave at 1:10 PM.

In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to donate to: Cedar Grove Cemetery Fund (P.O. Box 247, Climax, GA 39834) or Big Bend Hospice (1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308)

Gene was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, but most of all, he was a man of unwavering faith, from the age of 5 years old. If you have ever had the privilege of hearing one of his life stories, you would know he was always thankful for how the Lord guided him through each and every day.

Oh, to have the peace, endurance, and the Love of Christ that Gene had! We are at peace knowing he is now in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Faith Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. (850-539-4300 or www.faithfuneralhome.com)