Carrsville – Donald Lauren Padgett, Jr., 89, passed away May 15, 2026 in East Pavilion.  Born June 17, 1936 in Alcolu, South Carolina, he was a son of the late Donald Lauren Padgett, Sr. and Hattie Nix "Granny" Padgett.  He was also predeceased by a sister, Carolyn Padgett and two brothers, Joe and Franklin "B.B." Padgett.

The family moved from South Carolina to Franklin in 1946.  Donald graduated from Carrsville High School in 1954 and attended VPI for six months.  He loved all sports whether watching or playing but excelled in basketball.  He served in the Army as USA MP Secret Service in New Mexico.  He returned home and was employed at Union Camp Corporation as a paper maker.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 42 years, Audrey Newsome Padgett; two daughters, Renee P. Brown (Lewis) and Sherri P. Coggsdale (Darryl); a son, Darryl Padgett; a sister, Rose P. Martin; eight grandchildren, Lewis Brown, Jr. (Christy), Josh Coggsdale (Amanda), Lauren Brown, Justin Brown, Tori P. Paxton (Matthew), Cody Coggsdale, Tiana P. Hodge (Ashley), and Cameron Padgett; eleven great grandchildren; four step-great grandchildren; and the mother of his children, Lynn Elder.

Donald and Audrey took early retirement and toured the US and Canada to witness for the Lord.  It was rewarding to encourage Christians and see many others accept the Lord.  This was all done as free laborers of the Lord.

In 1994 they joined a mission-minded church and became involved in missions again.  Donald lost his sight in 2000 but it did not stop him from working for the Lord.  They witnessed in many cities in the US as well as Peru and Africa.

Donald, we believe on May 15, 2026, you heard the Lord say, "Well done my good and faithful servant."  We say Amen to that!

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at 2PM Saturday, May 23, 2026 in Wright Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Poe officiating.  Burial will be private.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the funeral home and suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Burdette Baptist Church, 35490 Burdette Rd., Franklin, VA 23851 – the little church, filled with love, in the country.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org