Clyde O Padgett's Obituary
Clyde O. Padgett, affectionately known as Jer, of Mount Dora, Florida, passed away peacefully at age 88 at home on September 20, 2025 with his beloved wife by his side. Born on December 13th, 1936, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Jer was the son of Kenneth E. and Jessie C. O'Neal Padgett.
He attended night school at Guilford College, and received Bachelor's degrees in Economics and Psychology.
Jer began his career with Western Electric (later AT&T) as a draftsman while still in high school. He eventually worked his way into management and retired after 40 dedicated years.
In December of 1982, Jer married Marcia Davis Jolly, and together they shared many wonderful years. The couple settled in Leesburg, Florida, at Royal Highlands in 2003, where they were active golfers and enjoyed a vibrant social life. In 2020, they relocated to Waterman Village in Mount Dora, Florida.
Jer served as the Chairman of the Board for over 20 years of Truliant Federal Credit Union. He was also an active volunteer for numerous organizations, including serving as a long-term board member and art director for the Crosby National Celebrity Golf Tournament.
Jer and Marcia took many amazing trips and cruises around the world, creating lasting memories together. Jer was also an avid artist, crafting beautiful shadow boxes and jewelry from seashells.
He had many interests over the years, including gourmet cooking and history. Jer will be remembered as a sharp-dressed man. He had pride in the way he presented himself and enjoyed any reason to dress up. He was known by family and friends for many things, including his “show-stopping” hair and mustache!
Jer is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Marcia Padgett, his children; Terri Lynn Sethna, Steven Vincent Padgett, and his stepsons Horton Gray Jolly and Douglas Kenyon Jolly; eight grandchildren, James Blue, Clinton Padgett, Bailey Padgett, Madison Padgett, Cody Padgett, Robert Jolly, Davis Jolly, Philip Jolly; three great-grandchildren, Jillian Padgett, Arizona Halliburton, and Paige Padgett. He was preceded in passing by his parents and his son, Roman Ross Padgett.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org
There will be a private family memorial service.
I have lived a long life, longer than I anticipated. And now it’s time to go. To borrow words from Jimmy Buffet—" Some of it’s magic, some it’s tragic, but I had a good life all the way.…” As I say goodbye to my family and friends, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. May God be with you. --Jer
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