Lee James Padgett, 66, of Athens, Georgia, formerly of West Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 8, 2022.

Lee was born February 16, 1956 in Cordele, Georgia to Vernell Gillespie Padgett and the late Thomas Jackson Padgett.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Rebecca Corley Padgett; children: Jessica Padgett Venables and husband Tristan of Charlottesville, Virginia; Thad Padgett and wife Beth of Athens; and Gabe Padgett and wife Kristen of Carrollton, Georgia. He is also survived by his precious grandchildren: Jonah, Milla, and Hollis Venables, Brady, Thatcher, Walker, and James Hanks Padgett, and Corley Padgett. He is also survived by his dear mother, brother Jack Padgett and his wife Pam, sister Debbie Padgett, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Lee was preceded in death by his father, sister Ann Padgett Gabbard, and in-laws Brady and Betty Corley.

Lee was a 1974 graduate of Brookland Cayce High School in Cayce, South Carolina where he excelled in athletics. He received a scholarship to play football at Presbyterian College, where he graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. Lee was owner of Padgett and Company Financial Corporation in Watkinsville, Georgia and served the greater Northeast Georgia area for 44 years as an accountant. His clients were more than just clients, they were true friends.

Lee and Rebecca began their relationship in high school at the age of 16 and married after college in 1979. They spent fifty treasured years together embracing life. Lee was devoted to his family. He cherished the time spent with his children. He loved and treasured his grandchildren so much and was affectionally known as “Grandfather.”

Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 14, at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church, 3011 Leaphart Road in West Columbia, South Carolina, with Pastor Brandt Akin officiating. A reception in Lee’s memory will be held in downtown Athens on Sunday, May 15, from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church, 185 East Hancock Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Lee to Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30322 att: Jennifer Daly. These memorials will go towards cancer research and finding a cure for cancer. Memorials may also be made to First Presbyterian Weekday School att: Elaine Johnson.

Lord and Stephens West is in charge of arrangements in Georgia and Caughman-Harmon Funeral Home, Lexington, is in charge of South Carolina arrangements.