Carl J Padgett, a beloved friend to everyone who knew him, passed away September 6th, 2023 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born April 13, 1946 to Owen and Annie Pearl Padgett in Jacksonville, NC.  He never strayed far, always returning back to his Onslow County roots. He grew up in a loving home with three brothers, two sisters, and a tight knit family.

A celebration of Carl's life will be 4:00 PM on Saturday September 9, 2023 at Pineland Presbyterian Church with Reverends Preston Wells and Danny Padgett officiating. The family will receive visitors immediately before the service from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the church.

Carl was raised in the rural Haws Run community, often helping with work at home or on one of the many local farms. In his adult years, he joined the US Navy and worked aboard nuclear submarines. He always had fascinating stories about traveling the globe via the ocean depths. He started driving tractor trailers for Coastal Equipment Company in the mid 70's and met the love of his life, Patty, while en route thru Ohio. They were married in 1978 and he devoted 44 years to tirelessly loving and eventually caring for her. He had a daughter, Andrea, who was by definition, his "everything". They had an inseparable bond and he dedicated his life to ensuring she was loved, nourished, supported, and successful.

To Carl, nothing beat gathering with friends and family to share meals and enjoy a good conversation. His favorite pastime was fishing down the New River with his brother Ellis. Carl loved to hunt, golf, and to travel anywhere for an excuse to "be on the road". He worked for Golden Corral Corporation for over 3 decades moving on from driving trucks to designing restaurant layouts. He was so widely loved and respected among all his coworkers, peers, friends, and family.

Carl was a man of unwavering faith and served the Lord among his church family at Pineland Presbyterian for the majority of his life. His later years were indeed slower-paced and marked with health struggles, but the love in his heart grew with the addition of a son-in-law Bryce, whom he unequivocally loved as his own, and two precious grandsons, Taj Owen (8) and Kade August (3).  He held plenty of titles, but "Peepaw" was his favorite one.

Carl is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Padgett; parents, Owen and Annie Jenkins Padgett; sisters, Peggy Padgett and Linda Padgett Pack; brother, Gray Padgett.

Carl is survived by his daughter, Andrea (Bryce) Kiogima of Jacksonville, NC; two grandsons, Taj and Kade Kiogima; brothers, Ellis Padgett and Phillip (Pam) Padgett; sister-in-law, Brenda Padgett, all of Jacksonville, NC. He is also survived by two very special nieces, Deanne Pack (Terry) Thompson of North Augusta, GA and Dawn (William) Beitler, of Channahon, IL. In addition, there are many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and cousins that he loved dearly along with friends that he considered family.

In lieu of flowers Carl's family asks that donations be made in his name to Pineland Presbyterian Church, 205 King Road, Jacksonville, NC 28540