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William Padgett Obituary
Padgett, William R., "Bill" 83, of Louisville, died peacefully in his home with his family at his side on Saturday, September 10, 2016.
Born on November 20, 1932 in Louisville to the late Marvin J. and Grace R. Padgett, he was the fourth of five children. He was a 1950 graduate of St. Xavier High School and 1954 graduate of Xavier University. After completing ROTC at Xavier, he served his country as a Lieutenant in Baumholder, Germany. Following his father into the bourbon whiskey business, Bill managed bourbon distilleries for almost forty years, beginning at Old Boone Distillery (Meadowlawn, KY), moving to Wild Turkey Distillery (Lawrenceburg, KY) and finishing his career in Loretto, KY at Maker's Mark Distillery as Vice President of Production. He had a world class palate when it came to making the finest Kentucky Bourbons. While he wasn't a KY Colonel, he was a Louisville Lord. He loved thoroughbred horse racing. Bill and his brother Jimmy, who was a horse trainer, owned and raced thoroughbreds.
In 1958, Bill married June Peterman who passed into Heaven in 1996. He was also preceded in death by siblings, Gloria Lepping, James Padgett, and June France.
Bill remarried in 2002 to his surviving wife and soulmate, Suzanne Nystrand Padgett. He is also survived by sons, William, Jr. (Amy), Christopher (Julie), and John (Traci); step-children, Rev. Kathryn Dwyer (Dale) and Kristin Glaser (Scott); sister, Joan Wilson; grandchildren, William, Abigail, Samuel, Luke, Joshua, and Isabelle Padgett, Courtney and John Andrew Klamar, Jacob and Kate Glaser; and a dog named Hank.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Church United Methodist, 4614 Brownsboro Rd., with reception to follow at the church. Private burial will be in Cave Hill Cemetery. Highlands Funeral Home coordinating memorial arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hosparus, 3532 Ephraim McDowell Drive, Louisville, KY 40205.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Padgett
Sponsored by The Courier-Journal.
Robert O'Bryan
September 30, 2016
I met Billy when he was 4 yrs old when the Padgett family moved to Saratoga Dr. We all grew up together. Jim was my classmate through High School and Billy was such a joy to be around. God bless Billy and the Padgett family.
Tracy Sprowles
September 28, 2016
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr.Pagett
at Dr.Paul Brooks office .
He was just a wonderful person and just a lot of fun to visit with .
RIP Mr.Padgett
Tracy Sprowles
Don and Ellen Buckman
September 15, 2016
Sincere condolences to Sue, Chris and all of the family. We were so privileged to get to know Bill through Julie and Chris. He had a great love of his grandchildren and family and made a big effort to be with them this year. We enjoyed seeing him when we came to Louisville. He could share a great story.He will be truly missed..
September 14, 2016
Dear Sue. - Extending much sympathy, you and family are in my prayers. Sue Fenwick
Julie Miles Livers
September 14, 2016
Sincere condolences to the Padgett family. I knew Mr Padgett through my Mom and stepdad, Steve and Donna Nally, whom he worked closely with during his years at Maker's Mark. I remember him as a very kind, caring and fun loving man. Lots of laughs and a contagious smile. He carries a great legacy. May he rest in peace.
Amy Pope
September 13, 2016
We were so blessed to have Uncle Billy in our lives not only as children but as adults. We will miss your wonderful sense of humor.
September 13, 2016
Dear Padgett family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He and my father, Roger Fultz, were great friends. I hope they are together playing a round of golf again. May he rest in peace.
Libby Fultz Marquardt
Martin Nystrand
September 13, 2016
I met Bill soon after he and Sue married, and I much admired his warmth and good spirits. He especially brought new life to his wife, Sue, after the sudden death of her first husband, my brother. Bill was a wonderful man. My wife, Nancy, and I send our deep condolences to Sue, as well as her children, Kathy and Kristy, my nieces.
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Highlands Family-Owned Funeral Home - Louisville3331 Taylorsville Rd., Louisville, KY 40205
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