JACKSONVILLE  -  Phillip Thomas ("Phil) Padgett, 63 of Jacksonville passed away Friday December 18, 2020 at his home surrounded by love following a valiant battle with cancer.  His Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 PM on Friday evening, January 15, 2021 at the Philip T. Padgett Field at Southwest High School.  Face masks and social distancing will be required.

Born and raised in the Northwoods area of Jacksonville, Padgett was fully immersed in education and Onslow County Schools by his father, long time chemistry teacher and principal, Lenwood Padgett who predeceased Padgett in 2003.  Phil loved to recount stories of riding his bicycle to the school in the middle of the night to lock a door or window left open by a forgetful teacher or coach.  Padgett's father left an indelible impression on his life and all of Phil's decisions great or small came after considering what his father would have said or done in a similar situation.

After graduation from Jacksonville High School Padgett attended UNCW.  He took full advantage of all Wilmington had to offer and made lifelong friends in the process.  Upon completing his degree in physical education, Padgett returned to Onslow County taking a job at Southwest Junior Senior High School where he would build a career impacting the lives of countless young people and co-workers.  In Padgett's early years as a teacher and coach, he was the driver's education teacher and would eventually coach every sport the school offered and serve as athletic director.

Widely known as a successful football coach, Padgett trained young men to play football but his true gift was motivating kids to be good people, to work hard, to lead by example, to never give up even in the face of overwhelming odds, and to enjoy the moment while you were in it.   There were stats and accolades along the way including eastern regional finals, state championships, a perfect 16-0 season, an induction into the county hall of fame and a stellar record of 295-69 at retirement, achieved while wearing shorts no matter the weather.  Padgett was proud of each of these accomplishments but he most loved to hear from former players about their successes in life.

In 2017, Padgett came out of retirement to join the football coaching staff at his alma mater, Jacksonville High School, where he played varsity football and baseball.  As of 2019, he hosted his own weekly radio show, Sports Talk, focused on Onslow County sports.

In Padgett's retirement years he hiked Moab National Park, surfed in Puerta Rico, spent time in the Florida Keys with dear friends, and burned up 95 South to Disney World as often as he could.  Padgett was in constant motion and jogged in place while talking; he exuded positive energy that attracted people.  Coaches wanted to work with him, kids wanted to play for him; no one wanted to let him down.  If he asked for one more yard, one more rep, one small favor, people were happy to do whatever he asked.  He expected loyalty and gave it in return.  Padgett was loved deeply by his family, friends and the community at large.  He loved deeply in return never failing to tell people what they meant to him and how he felt.  You always knew where you stood with Padgett.

Padgett loved a practical joke and was known to have things delivered to the school office the week of a big game claiming the item was sent by the opposing team.  This never failed to stir his players to action.  Co-workers might find their car for sale on the side of the highway, their desk on the baseball field or their car keys frozen in ice. Padgett was quick witted, an avid reader, a student of life and a loyal friend.   An old-school realist who believed that hard work was the key to success, he worked hard and played hard and expected others to do so as well. He will be missed dearly.

Phil was a devoted husband, father and stepfather and a beloved son and brother.  In his last days, Phil expressed that he was the richest and most blessed man in Onslow County because of all his devoted friends and loving family members.  The tremendous devotion of those friends was engendered by the qualities of Phil as a man, not as an athlete or winning coach.

Padgett is survived by his beloved wife, Michelle Padgett of Jacksonville; his children: Jake Padgett and Stevie Padgett of Jacksonville, and Barry Padgett of Wilmington; his step-daughters Lauren Marangi, Lindsey Marangi and Lesley Marangi, all of Jacksonville; his mother, Janet Padgett now of Charlotte; his siblings: Richard Padgett, Pat Padgett Hedrick and Linda Padgett DeMay, all of Charlotte; and his fur babies, the Padgett pack: Sammy, Cinnamon, Bandit, and Hoss.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, December 22, 2020 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel.