Harold Edsel Padgett, Sr. Harold Edsel (Ed) Padgett, Sr., age 80, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. Preceding him in death were his parents, Jesse and Lois Padgett, his brother, Jesse Padgett, a grandson, Charles Nicholas Padgett, and his faithful canine companion, Sandy. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 61 years, Betty; his four children, Harold (Debbie) Padgett, Linda (Chris) Stinson, Chuck (Susan) Padgett and Steve (Sabrena) Padgett; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren, also s sister-in-law, Hassie Padgett. Ed was born in Atlanta, Ga. on June 16, 1931. He attended Georgia Tech University before accepting a job with Georgia Power Co., where he worked for eight years as a sub-station operator. He then went to work for IBM Corp. as a customer engineer, tech specialist, and finally as a manager in customer service in the Pensacola office, before retiring May 1, 1987. One of Ed’s passions was flying. He and Betty lived on a private airstrip in Chumuckla for 25 years. He owned several airplanes over the years, his last a Moony. He and Betty also loved camping and traveling in their motor home. The family spent many great times at Gulf Shores State Park and traveled often with their good friends W. T. and Linda Hennigan. They usually spent the month of October with them at Maggie Valley; N.C. Ed was a member of First United Methodist Church of Pace. He had served as chairman of the Board, was on the building committee and along with Betty, helped provide and prepare food for the Church’s Wednesday night suppers. Ed will truly be missed. His sense of humor, his work ethics, his ability to fix just about anything that had a motor in it or a plug on one end, his compassion for other people and animals and his love of family and friends will be his legacy. The family will receive friends Friday evening, August 19, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church of Pace. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 AM Saturday, August 20, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church of Pace, 4540 Chumuckla Highway, with Pastor John Webb officiating. Pallbearers are Ray Hudson, Pete Confusione, Bob Kaba, Bill Cooke, Chip Mapoles and Matthew Padgett. Honorary Pallbearers are Wayman Cook, Bob Drummond, Marion Tidwell and Rodney Cropper. A special thanks to Creekside Senior Village and Covenant Hospice for their special care and compassion. Lewis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.