James Houston "Joe" Padgett, age 86, of Bedford, departed this life on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at Guggenheimer Health & Rehabilitation Center in Lynchburg, VA. "Joe" as he was affectionately known, was born on August 13, 1933 to the late Alfred and Nanny Wright-Padgett. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Dudley Padgett; a son, Lawrence "Teddy" Padgett; three brothers, Gene, Carey and Billy Padgett and two sisters, Lucille Lewis and Lydia Jones.

Joe graduated from Gary Negro High School in 1952. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army. After he completed his training he served in Germany for six years. He was in the Army's Artillery Company. Joe received a "Good Conduct" Medal and an Honorable Discharge. Once back in the states, Joe went to work at Rubatex. Where he remained until his retirement.

Joe was well-known in the community. He leaves to honor his memory a son, William Joseph Padgett of Bedford, VA; a daughter, Sheila Denise Padgett of Columbia, SC; a granddaughter, Te'Meika Nicole Hines of Charlotte, NC; a very "special" niece, Lydia "Chocolate" Joyce of WV, who he enjoyed having conversations with; sister-in-law, Thelma Padgett of WV; a "favorite" nephew, Curtis Edward "Eddie" Dudley of Bedford; a niece, Rhonda Elaine Dudley of FL.; a host of other relatives and friends from West Virginia, Detroit, Michigan and North Carolina; who will cherish his memory.