John Allen Padgett

John Allen “J.A.” Padgett, 86, of Willard passed from this life to his eternal rest on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

He was born on December 5, 1938, in Pender County, NC; the 3rd child of 10, born to the late Joseph Melvin and Exie Gurganious Padgett.  J.A. was also preceded in death by his sister Deborah Walker.

J.A. was a retired firefighter with Penderlea Volunteer Fire Department for several years.  He was retired from General Electric (GE) where he acquired many friendships throughout the years. 

Surviving to cherish his memory is his best friend and wife of 66 years Melinda Marks Padgett of the home; his children Ann Moore (Alan), Johnny Padgett (Christine), and Donna Smith (Donald), all of Willard; grandchildren Chris Padgett (Leigh Anna), Kimberly Padgett (Tim), A.J. Moore (Sierra), Kevin Smith, and Casey Smith; great grandchildren Kyla Michaud, Caleb Duncan (Devin), Joanna Pelletere and Aiden Green; siblings Lucille Giddeons, Mitchell Padgett (Juanita), Joann Marshburn, Melvin Padgett (Donna), Joyce Ward (Bobby), Frances Brown (Clifton), Rebecca Fowler (Jim), and David Padgett (Susan); brothers and sisters-in-law Pattye Ebert, Robert Marks (Mary), and Chris Marks (Wanda); numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends that love J.A. dearly.

J.A. was a devoted husband and caring father, grandfather and brother.  He enjoyed the simplest things in life, but his greatest joy was his family.  J.A. was a hard worker and great provider for his family.  He faithfully had his coffee at Harry Teachey’s store and went to Hardees to get breakfast for him and Melinda every morning.   He enjoyed fishing, hunting and farming but his favorite pastime was mowing grass.  J.A. loved people and was always willing to help anyone in need.  He will surely be missed but treasured memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel, 612 S. Norwood Street, Wallace, NC  28466.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the funeral home.  Burial will follow the service on Tuesday at Potts Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Flowers are welcome or you may send memorial gifts to Potts Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, 2453 Crooked Run Road, Willard, NC  28478 or to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace, NC                                                             

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