Clifford Albert Padgett

Clifford Albert Padgett (Cliff) leaves behind his wife of 16 years, Joneen James Padgett, as well as his daughters, Reece Ritter (Mark) and Candi Chandler (Keith). He and his wife of 45 years, Ellen Brooks Padgett (who preceded him in death) were devoted, doting, and dedicated grandparents to their 5 grandchildren, Dorothy Ellen Ritter (who preceded him in death) as well as Tyler Ray Chandler, Cammie Lyn Key (Jacob), Isaac Ritter, and Walker Padgett Chandler (Niki). “Daddy”, “Grandy”, “Old Man”, and “Uncle Cliff” were just a few of his favorite titles. He made childhoods magical for all of the children in his life. 

Cliff was born to Henry and Marie Padgett and raised along with 5 siblings, (Junior, Melba, Alma, Racine, and baby Gail) on Callawassie island off the coast of South Carolina. As he grew up, he never traveled more than a few miles from home but wanted to see more of the world. Following high school graduation, he landed a job at a global construction company; one of his first assignments took him to India on a year-long assignment – quite an experience for a 20-year-old! Following that assignment, he remained with the company for 35 years, working on projects in virtually every state in the union, and in 26 countries around the world. He ultimately became the Global Construction Manager of the company’s pipelining division. 

In his late 20’s, he was excited to win a free introductory flying lesson in a drawing at a local gas station in rural south Georgia . . . and it was love at first flight. He continued his lessons after that first one, and when on assignment with construction jobs around the country, took lessons everywhere he went, including Bridgeport (CT), Spokane (WA), Columbus (GA), and many others. He earned his pilot’s license in 1965 and flew for over 50 years. He prided himself on being a stickler for air safety, carefully evaluating weather conditions along his planned flight paths, and meticulously and personally maintained the condition of his aircraft. The result? The prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot award from the FAA for a 50+ year accident-free record. 

As his career wound down, Cliff moved to Monticello, Georgia, to enjoy the rural life, raising chickens, growing fruits and vegetables, and being close to the small airfield where his small plane was housed. He was affectionately known as The Mayor of the Monticello Sky Ranch where he gathered with fellow pilots to drink coffee, eat donuts, and tell stories every Saturday morning. Some of the stories were even true! 

Cliff was an active church member his whole life. He never met a stranger and never found something broken that he couldn’t fix. A natural engineer, he developed multiple machines and equipment that were awarded U.S. patents. He never failed to help anyone in need and brought a smile to the face of everyone that encountered him. If you ever caught him with that twinkle in his eye you knew he was up to some mischief, and his eyes twinkled all the time. We know it twinkles still as he is reunited with so many that have gone before him. 

A graveside service celebrating Cliff’s life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery (3895 Zoar Church Road, Snellville, GA) . Immediately following the graveside there will be a reception in the church fellowship hall for a continued time of remembering Cliff’s life. 

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Cliff may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association . 

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com