Ernest Leonard Padgett, Jr.

Ernest Leonard Padgett, Jr., 76, of Marianna Florida, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2024.

Son of Ernest Leonard Sr. and Lessie Mae Padgett, Ernie was born on December 3, 1947. After graduating from Marianna High School, he went on to study at Florida State University, where he graduated with a Master of Public Administration degree.

A lifelong Floridian, Ernie dedicated 30 years of his career to County Government. His journey began when he was elected the youngest ever Jackson County Commissioner at the age of 31. Ernie went on to serve Jackson County as the first County Administrator. Widely respected and known for his consistent and fair approach, Ernie took his level-headed leadership to serve as County Administrator in Santa Rosa, Manatee and Okaloosa County before returning to his home. Ernie retired his professional career as County Administrator of Jackson County.

While his professional career was impressive, nothing can replace the admirable and humble man Ernie has been. He was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. A simple man, who enjoyed spending time with his family, the outdoors and Florida State football. A kind man, who was willing to help everyone. Ernie always had a great story rooted in his experience that he would offer to those he met. He left a powerful impression on every life he touched and every hand he shook. A Christian Man of Valor is how his life will be celebrated. His memory will last forever in every person who knew him.

Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest L. Sr. and Lessie Mae Padgett and his brother, Donald David Padgett. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Lydia Padgett; Ernie was blessed with three children, Paul Padgett (Susan) Dothan AL, Linnette Harris (Jason) Marianna, FL, Stephen Padgett (Maria) Columbia, SC; and three step-children, Kirsten Hilburn (Jim) Pensacola, FL, Danielle Johnson (Jeffrey) Nashville, TN and Tanyr McAllister (Jason) Spanish Fort, AL; his 16 grandchildren, Hannah Callender (Coleton), Haley Padgett, Nick Harris (Lauren), Kaytlin Peterson (Lance), Alexis Padgett, Megan Padgett, Bryson Padgett, Christopher Colby, Ashley Grubbs (Clay), Annah Kelson, Bryce Patterson (Jordan), Lindsay Patterson, Colby McAllister, Carlyn McAllister, Sean Lewis-Johnson, Elijah Johnson; his eight great-grandchildren, Emma, Andrew, Baylor, Tanyr, Landon, Asher, Dash and Kalohn; Also, many devoted friends and colleagues who he loved dearly. 

A funeral service to honor Ernie’s life will be Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 2 P.M. at Trinity Baptist Church in Marianna, FL with Reverend Roland Rabon officiating and James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. The family will receive friends for visitation from 12:30 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. (CST).  Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Nick Harris, Bryson Padgett, Christopher Colby, Bryce Patterson, Eddie Jackson and Jason McAllister.