Martin was born on August 11, 1943, in his family's home in Holly Ridge, Onslow County, North Carolina. He was the son of Elisha Thomas Padgett and Mary Ethel Coston Padgett. He passed away peacefully in his home in Holly Ridge on May 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of his life and their children.

He is survived by the light of his life and beloved family: his loving wife, Cathy Howard Padgett; son, Alex Padgett (Kathryn); and daughter, Beth Padgett. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Joseph Lakes, Aiyana Lakes (Jude), Hunter Padgett, Oleta Padgett, and Austin Padgett; his brothers, Dale Padgett (Janice), Elmer Padgett (Brenda), Neal Padgett (Linda), and Justin Padgett (Wanda); his sisters, Ophelia Brazelton, Nita Duncan, Angie Parker, and Coston Toler (Charles); and a niece who was like a sister, Gloria Keel (Tommy). He also leaves behind many loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Elisha Thomas Padgett; his mother, Mary Ethel Coston Padgett; his brothers, James Padgett (Edna) and Thurman Padgett; his brothers-in-law, John Brazelton, Doyle Duncan, and Jim Parker; his nephew, Brendon Parker; and his nieces, Wanda Clayton and Tiffany Boyden.

Martin attended and graduated from Dixon High School in 1960. After graduation, he worked in pulpwood for a year and a half before deciding it was hard work. He then began working for Automatic Vending Company in Spring Lake, North Carolina, later transferring to the Jacksonville office, where he worked for four years. He subsequently joined the Onslow County School System, where he worked in heating and plumbing and retired after 31½ years of dedicated service.

In 1967, when the Scotch Bonnet Fishing Pier opened, Martin went fishing and caught the love of his life, Cathy Howard, who was working as a waitress in the restaurant. They married in 1969 and worked side by side in everything they did. They shared 56 happy years of marriage and spent their entire life together on the family compound. They were blessed with two beautiful children and five precious grandchildren.

Martin loved watching and supporting his children and grandchildren in sports, dance, music, and Boy Scouts. He played softball for Great Gas for several years, where he formed many special friendships. He also coached T-ball and coach-pitch baseball.

He was a devoted member of the Topsail Presbyterian Church family in Hampstead, North Carolina, where he was loved by so many. Martin never met a stranger. He always had a smile, a joke, or something positive to say to everyone he met.

When asked what he thought of his life, Martin simply said, "I've had 82 good years, and I'm not worried about anything."

Martin lived those 82 years well and will be deeply missed. Our loss is God's gain. If his life could be summed up in one word, it would be LOVE.

Love you, Teddy Bear, until we meet again.

Legends Never Die.

Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Topsail Presbyterian Church in Hampstead with Pastor Robb Lapp conducting the service. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Topsail Presbyterian Church Hampstead NC or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation , 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.