ORIS PADGETT

ELKO, GA Oris Padgett, 77, was finally recommended to the Spirit in the Sky, as his favorite song goes. Funeral arrangements are private, but the family will receive visitors on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the home of his son, Phillip Padgett, 2688 US Highway 41 South, Perry, GA 31069. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to the Shriner's Children’s Hospital, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, South Carolina 29605, for the years of care they provided to his special needs grandson, Clint, in his youth, OR to Heart of Georgia Hospice, 103 Westridge Drive, Warner Robins, Georgia 31088, for the commitment of comfort to peaceful transitions, not only for Oris, but for families in Central Georgia. The family is especially thankful for Saleha Wowaka and The Heart of Georgia Hospice staff. Oris was born in Telfair County to George Oscar and Eula Mae Padgett on March 20, 1948. Oris met the love of his life, Eloise Horne, married a few months later, and enjoyed a loving and long marriage of 60 years. Oris was most proud of and is credited for helping start the paramedic system at Perry Hospital where he was an encourager and close friend to new nurses, doctors, paramedics, and EMT's in the emergency department, most of who kept in touch throughout the years and surrounded him in his final months. Oris then transferred to Albany and worked as a paramedic briefly before returning to Perry, where he became a supervisor working in the paint facilities at Blue Bird until his retirement. Throughout his life, Oris loved working in the yard, tending to gardens, and doing what he did best - piddling. A vastly knowledgeable and smart man, he had a “MacGyver” solution to every problem, and he was not a stranger to projects, big and small. His last project was a small, cozy tiny house surrounded by fruit trees, chickens, flower beds, and vegetable gardens in Elko, a property which he and Eloise turned into their own paradise of peace in his last years. He was a keeper of the land, a friend to all he met, and most importantly, a helping hand to all who needed it. Oris was preceded in death by his parents, George Oscar and Eula Mae Padgett; his brother, Talmadge Padgett; his sister, Alberta Lewis; and his brother, John Padgett. Left to cherish the memories they made with Oris are his caring and devoted wife of 60 years, Eloise Horne Padgett; his 3 children, Tabatha McDowell (Walter Franklin) of Bonaire, Phillip Padgett (Jennifer) of Elko, and Wendy Offenberg (Warren) of Elko; his 7 grandchildren, Lacey McDowell (Caitlin), Ashley Lowell (Cory), Walter Clint McDowell, Katlyn Britt (Grant), Matthew Offenberg (Shelby), Cole Padgett (Mia), and Emma Riggin; and 7 great-grandchildren, Emme Grace, McKinley Lowell, John Thomas, Elijah Michael, Everly Jo, Amalie Mackswell, and Bailey Kaye. Oris acknowledged his nephew, Alex Padgett (Kathy) of Perry, as one of his own beloved children. Survivors also include his brother, Kenneth Padgett (Sara) of Perry, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Oris also was a beloved stand-in father to many United States Marines stationed far from home, the closest and dearest to the family being Maxie and Shelby Shelton of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and their children Makenzie (John) and Logan. Last but certainly not least, Oris is survived by his best girl whom he loved dearly, his Belgian Malinois, Sierra. Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home in Perry has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Tributes

ORIS PADGETT

March 20, 1948 - July 7, 2025