Donald "Donnie" Gene Padgett

Donald “Donnie” Gene Padgett of Winnabow, NC passed away on August 13, 2026, just shy of his 76th birthday, leaving behind a family who loved him beyond measure.

Donnie was a hardworking, strong-willed man who spent much of his life farming, raising tobacco, corn, and soybeans. After his years of farming, he began a new chapter in construction with Funston Company. He was an experienced equipment operator, skilled welder, and talented builder of classic cars. Simply put, there wasn’t much Donnie couldn’t do.

Donnie was also a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving with the U.S. Navy Seabees, a part of his life and legacy that meant a great deal to him.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Douglas Wallace and Bertha Gore Padgett; his infant siblings, Linda Diane and Bobby Holten; and his brothers, Douglas (Sonny) Padgett and David Padgett (Shirley).

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Gail Ward Padgett; his son, Donald Seth Padgett; his daughter, Lesley Nicole Padgett; his only grandson, Maverick Wallace Taube, who lovingly knew him as “Big D”; his brothers-in-law, Robert Gene Ward (Susie) and Steven Wayne Ward; his sisters-in-law, Betty Padgett (Jacob) and Ila Raye Ward; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at The Barn at Rock Creek.

A funeral service celebrating Donnie’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. 2919 Galloway Rd NE Bolivia, NC 28422

Pallbearers will be Robbie Lanier, Gary Robbins, Howard Robinson, John Allen, Freddie Watkins and Preston Nowell

Burial will follow the funeral service at Old Piney Grove Cemetery (Green Hill Rd) Winnabow, NC.

You may offer online condolences at www.shallottefunerals.com

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte Chapel