Ernest Henry Padgett

Ernest Henry Padgett, 77, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away at Carolinas Health System—Northeast Tuesday, September 26, 2017.

A celebration of Ernie's life will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday, September, 30, at his church, Friendship United Methodist, 4695 Mt. Pleasant Road South, with the Rev. Roger Armistead officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The Padgett family will receive friends at the church beginning at 3 p.m.

Ernie was born in Victory Township, Michigan, on December 30, 1939, to Charles Padgett and Viola Hargreaves Padgett. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his twin brother, Edwin; a sister, Arlene P. Corey; and a great-granddaughter, Gianna Epps.

Whether in his native Michigan or in North Carolina, Ernie continually sought ways to make his community better. He served as an EMT with Harrisburg Fire and Rescue, a sheriff’s deputy, a Claybanks Township constable, a Cub Master for Boy Scout Pack 149, and as a foster parent to many children. Active in his church, Ernie had served as board chairman, Sunday school teacher, assistant youth leader, choir member and lay leader. Most recently he lived his faith through volunteering at the Mt. Pleasant Food Ministry and with the annual community Thanksgiving dinner.  A long-distance truck driver, Ernie retired from Family Dollar Trucking in 2003, and in leisure was still behind the wheel as a member of the Studebaker Drivers Club.

Survivors to cherish Ernie’s memory include his wife of 57 years, Constance “Connie” Thompson Padgett of the home; two sons, David Padgett (Valerie) of Charlotte and Edwin Padgett (Brandy) of Mt. Pleasant; a daughter, Julyn P. Harris (Paul) of Greenville, Michigan;  six grandchildren, Kelly Epps (John) of Newnan, Georgia, Andrew Padgett of Gold Hill, Patrick Currence (Jeanine) of Concord, LaShae Salazar of Charlotte, Brenden Padgett of Charlotte, and Vivian Padgett of Mt. Pleasant; 11 great-grandchildren, Justin, Jaylen, Chanel, Lali, Malerie, Jon, Isabella, Sam, Tristan, Peyton and Cassia; a sister, Ella P. Lemire of Scottville, Michigan; two brothers, Alvin Padgett of Pageland, South Carolina, and Ervin Padgett (Peggy) of Scottville, Michigan; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Contributions in Ernie’s memory may be directed to the Mt. Pleasant Food Ministry, PO Box 134, Mt. Pleasant, NC 28124 or to the American Cancer Society, 1901 Brunswick Ave #100, Charlotte, NC 28207