Mr. L.E. Chester Padgett age 88, a lifelong resident of Bradford County, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Shands Hospital suddenly. He was born August 27, 1936, to Harry and Lillie (Tanner) Padgett. Mr. Padgett retired from the Bradford County Road Department as a Heavy Equipment Operator in 1998. He attended Smyrna Baptist Church and enjoyed tinkering around the house and working on old cars and mowers that he could resale. But most of all he loved riding his grandchildren around on his side-by-side. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son Gregory "Greg" Padgett, brother Homer Pagett, and sister Mildred Batton. Mr. Padgett leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of nearly 64 years Velma Padgett and their son Bryan Padgett and his wife Connie as well as a daughter-in-law Marcilla (Carter) Padgett all of Starke. He was lovingly called "Papa" and "Papa2" by grandchildren Alyssa Shannahan (Trey) and Ashlyn Rodgers (Connard) and great grandchildren Mason and Asher and soon to be two more. Also left behind is his niece and nephew Linda and Joey Baldree. Funeral services for Mr. Padgett will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Smyrna Baptist Church with Brother Charles Starling officiating. The family will receive friends beginning 12:00 noon. Interment will follow at Long Branch Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 620 East Nona Street, Starke, FL 32091. (904) 964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com Cemetery Long Branch Cemetery 5500 Long Branch Cemetery Road Clay Hill FL 32234 US Viewing Thursday, May 15, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Smyrna Baptist Church 643 West Pratt Street Starke FL 32091 US Funeral Service Thursday, May 15, 2025 1:00 PM - Smyrna Baptist Church 643 West Pratt Street Starke FL 32091 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Keystone Heights 340 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL - 32656 US (352) 473-3176