Clarence Dixon Padgett, 98

Clarence Dixon Padgett, 98, of Spindale went home Saturday, May 2, 2015, to be with his beloved wife Irene. They were blessed with riches that money could not buy.

His live in caregiver was his loving granddaughter Amanda Hill, and his guardian angels were his daughter Nancy and her husband Doug Hill. His greatest love in life was his family.

Clarence was born March 5, 1917 as the second of 5 sons to the late Weldon B. Padgett Sr. and Almedia Bates Padgett. He was preceded in death by his wife Irene Atchley Padgett, and his brothers Paul, Virgil, "Stem", and Willie.

Clarence retired from Stonecutter Mills in 1979 at the age of 62, but was coaxed to come back for 3 more years. He served as a Supervisor and loom fixer in the weave room. His tenure at Stonecutter was interrupted by World War II when he served his country honorably as an Army Master Sergeant in charge of a 105 Howitzer platoon. His brigade entered Italy at Naples and moved North to near the Austrian border. After the war he resumed his career at Stonecutter and remained there until his retirement. He was a member of a group of veterans who formed the first National Guard unit in Spindale, and served in that unit for several years.

He became interested in flying and obtained his pilot's license. He helped form a flying club at the old Spindale Airport, where they purchased a single engine plane for the club. He was an avid gardener and loved playing golf, having aced a hole in one at Meadowbrook Golf Course, and playing with his son, grandsons, and great grandsons at age 88 in Rockingham.

Clarence and Irene were devoted members of Southern Baptist Church in Rutherfordton for nearly 70 years. Irene served as a Sunday School teacher and Clarence distributed the Sunday School literature. In later years he was an enthusiastic member of the church choir, and sang in a quintet. He sang in the choir until recently as his health declined.

Clarence loved baseball and played semi-pro ball in Rutherford County. He was a talented and speedy infielder. In later years he was a dedicated viewer of Atlanta Braves baseball.

Mr. Padgett is survived by a son Pat Padgett (Barbara) of Rockingham, NC; daughter Nancy Hill (Doug) of Forest City; brother W.B. "Bo" Padgett; granddaughters Lisa Padgett Harris (Wes), Briana Brown, Amanda Hill; grandsons Mark Padgett (Julie), Joel Padgett (Christie), Dustin Hill (Amanda); great grandsons Brit Padgett (Jessie), Joel Christopher Padgett Jr., Matthew and Nicolas Harris; great granddaughters Lydia, Haven, and Kinley; and three step great granddaughters Suzannah, Briana and McKenzye.

A celebration of life was held at Southern Baptist Church with Rev. John Perry officiating. Interment followed at Eternal Hills Memorial Park with Military Honors accorded by the Rutherford County Veterans Honor Guard. Pallbearers were his grandsons and great grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043 or Southern Baptist Church Sound System Fund, 140 Church Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the Padgett family.