Rickey Lee Padgett

It is with great loss and painful heartache, that I announce the passing of my lifelong true love, Rickey Lee Padgett; my husband, whom I love so very much, that I married him twice. Rickey Lee Padgett was born to Jack and Margaret Padgett on October 6, 1961, at St. Vincent’s Hospital, in Jacksonville, Florida. Rickey was a man of many gifts, and he loved being outdoors. In the occupations that he held, his favorite; a Lumberjack. The modern term known as a Logger, but Rickey was a Lumberjack, because he was of that old-time brawny strength, that only comes from good, hard, honest labor. Rickey would climb up massive trees, wearing around his waist 25-30 pounds of equipment, with a chainsaw in hand and a cigarette in his mouth, taking these massive giants down with his bear hands—yep, he was my Lumberjack. Rickey’s bothers, and at times, myself, did the not-so-impressive ground work; witnessing the same thing transpire, every single time: surrounding neighbors, wearing worrisome faces; clearly concerned for their precious property, which surrounded Rickey’s work area. As they anxiously watched my husband’s fearless, and ever so effortless work, their fear would melt away, and be exchanged for lawn chairs—now sitting with faces in awe. Unaware of it all, Rickey earned their respect and admiration. He never noticed, because it was always only him, the tree, and God; just the way he liked it. In fact, at times where the customer would have Rickey throw a tree, he would yell down to us, as if playing a game of pool, where he was going to throw/lay the tree down. I would yell back, “Well, let’s ask the Lord where He wants it to go,” and every single time, Rickey and our Lord’s desire matched. Rickey was also a carpenter, a roofer, and an excavator. There was nothing that he couldn’t do, and he feared nothing. In fact, he would practically do the moonwalk along the rafters; the skeletal structure of a roof. Rickey‘s many God-given gifts were not isolated to just his occupations. One of the very many things that I loved in him, was his sense of humor. His silliness, quick comebacks, and our enormous laughter shared, always made me feel sooo alive. Even just a simple trip to the store with him was a blast. It was as if he and I were in a bubble, and the only ones on this planet. All the way up to the last evening we shared, with his family around him, he gave me my last “Blue Light Special”— his version of Kmart’s “Blue Light Special;” where he would take turns blinking each of his blue eyes at me, one at a time—and one more time, tickling my heart. Another of Rickey’s many gifts, and a blessing for me, took place in the kitchen. Most known for his deliciously famous Jalapeño Stuffed Poppers, Omelettes, and Stuffed Hamburgers; he really loved stuffing things. I have honestly never seen anyone out-do him, because he always threw his whole heart into all he was doing, and at the same time, made it look so effortless. I talk like he was perfect; not by any means was he—none of us are. However, I am truly grateful in knowing that he knew the ONE WHO IS. Every single time Rickey told me that he loved me, and that he loved his whole family, he would then always say, right after, “and I love God and Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit!!!” That is what he would say every single time, without fail. He truly loved and cared for people, and since he did, he would invite almost everyone he came into contact with to church. Sadly, there were no takers, but that never discouraged him. Rickey may have struggled with his sin, like all of us, but I am just so grateful, that for him, struggle is over. I love him, so very much, and I miss him just as much. Now, My Love, you can rest in the Arms of Jesus. I love you, Rickey. —Your wife, XXXOOO Rickey is survived by his •Wife~Charlene LaDavia Padgett •Daughter~ Ashley L. Padgett •Grandson~ Nathan W. Smith •Stepson~ Giani Dene LaDavia-Petty •Stepdaughter~ Ciara Marie LaDavia-Lloyd •Brother~ Robert J. Sullivan •Brother~ Mickey C. Padgett (Brenda) •Brother~ Jackie R. Padgett (Kathy) •Uncle Merrill and Aunt Eliza Mae Padgett •Many Cousins, Nephews and Nieces A Graveside service will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery, 7204 SE County Road 234, Gainesville.

Rickey Lee Padgett

October 6, 1961 - November 20, 2024