William J. ('Bill') Padgett

William J. Padgett, Jr. (“Bill”) entered into eternal rest on April 1, 2016 in Fayetteville, Georgia. Bill was 74 years old and resided in Palmetto, Georgia with his loving Wife, Pat. Bill was born and raised in East Point, Ga., the son of William J. Padgett, Sr. and Sara “Honey” (Tarpley) Welborn. Both of his parents predeceased him as did his stepfather, George Welborn. His loving siblings, Nancy Rebecca “Becky” Padgett and G. Lee Welborn both survive him. Both Becky and Lee reside in Acworth, Ga. Bill graduated from Headland High School in East Point, Ga. in the class of 1959. He entered the United States Air Force where he served for four years, primarily stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. While in the Air Force, Bill played football for his base team and also attended Florida State University. After leaving the Air Force, Bill eventually began working as a police officer for the City of East Point. Bill went on to join the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. For a period of time, Bill served as a Chief of Police with the Cobb County Police Department before returning to the GBI where he retired, having earned the rank of Squad Commander. After retirement, Bill also served as An Investigator with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office and as a bailiff with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Outside of law enforcement, Bill volunteered countless hours as a coach for youth football teams in East Point. He was also involved with the Shriners, where he participated as a member of the motorcycle unit that represented the Shriners in parades and other events across Georgia. Bill deeply enjoyed owning and showing old cars, particularly 1955-1957 Chevrolets. Bill was the proud father of two children, J. Wade Padgett of Augusta, Ga. and Ashley Padgett of Hephzibah, Ga. and he devoted a great deal of his life to serving as a wonderful father to both. Wade is married to Alice Padgett and they have two children, Matthew and Jordan. Ashley also has two children, Amber Hougas and Raven Padgett. Amber is married to Timmy Hougas. Raven has a child, Brayleigh, who was Bill’s only great granddaughter. Bill was extremely proud of all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren and they all survive him. There will be a graveside celebration of Bill’s life on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. The service will be conducted at the Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, GA 30114. Bill will be entered into rest at the Georgia National Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, April 4, 2016 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Parrott Funeral Home & Crematory, 8355 Senoia Rd., Fairburn, GA 30213. 770-964-4800. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9. Bill devoted his life to the service of others and he will spend eternity in the presence of God. The citizens of Georgia were blessed to be served by him and his family was blessed for having been led by him.