Robert Gene Padget, age 73, of Columbia, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024.

Gene was born on February 19, 1951, at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Edith Clark Padget and the late Sgt. James Benjamin Padget. He fondly remembered his adventures growing up with his brothers at different army bases. He often shared stories about living at Ft. Kobbe in Panama, Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri, and Ft. Lee in Virginia.

He graduated from Saluda High School in South Carolina in 1969. In high school, Gene excelled in sports, playing basketball and football, and winning the state championship in discus. He worked at International Paper Company for one year to earn the money he needed to attend Western Carolina University and play football. After one year at WCU, he transferred to the University of South Carolina in Columbia, graduating with a bachelor's degree in business.

Gene spent most of his professional life as an accountant; he worked for Dixie Electronics, the Treasurer's Office at the University of South Carolina, and as a comptroller for Specialties, Inc. He often talked about one of his favorite "extra" jobs at USC: helping run the spotlight for Neil Young, the Rolling Stones, and some of his other favorite musicians when they performed at the Carolina Coliseum. In later life, he founded his own driver training business and worked tirelessly to teach teenagers and adults in Columbia how to safely navigate the roads.

In his memoir, he wrote, "As I finished high school, I wanted to be a coach and a teacher... But at some point in my college career, I turned right instead of left and ended up as an accountant... I finally got to fulfill my coaching career by teaching my children how to hit, catch, and throw as they joined different sports teams... I kept the scorebook and helped with field maintenance. After 25 years as an accountant, I started a driver training company. So I guess I did become a coach and a teacher... I just took a different path than the one I started on."

A man of many talents, Gene spent time working as a lifeguard, recapping tires, milking cows, planting trees, playing in a band that he helped form, and washing windows. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, tinkering with cars and computers, and completing home improvement projects. He especially loved music, including playing the guitar, creating tapes and playlists for his children, and composing original songs for his grandchildren's birthdays.

He was a longtime member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church and spent numerous years as a member of the church council, church treasurer, and youth Sunday school teacher. He helped the church youth build sets for the Christmas pageant, volunteer their time in service at Oliver Gospel Mission, and truly learn what Jesus meant when he told the disciples to "be fishers of men" when he took them on retreats to the beach. He loved telling the story of how the youth threw seine nets for hours only to catch one tiny shrimp!

When Gene was asked a few years ago to name the thing he was most proud of ever building, he answered, "A family!" Gene's memory will be forever cherished by his family and friends. In our hearts, we will forever honor the legacy of a remarkable father, brother, son, and friend who cared deeply about his family, friends, and community.

Remaining to honor Gene's memory are his mother, Edith Clark Padget; his children, Anna (Dan) Crocker, Adam (Emilee) Padget, and Emily (Kyle) Applegate; his grandchildren, Samuel Crocker, James Padget, and Ellis Padget; his brothers, Joe (Debbie) Padget and Rick (Barbara) Padget; and the mother of his children and lifelong friend, Elizabeth Epting Padget; as well as treasured cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Preceding Gene in death are his son, Robert Benjamin Padget; his brothers, Jim Padget and Geri Padget; his sister-in-law, Jean Padget; and his father, Sgt. James Benjamin Padget.

The family wishes to express their love and gratitude to the caring staff at NHC Parklane and Abbey Road Hospice.

Funeral services will be held at Ebenezer Lutheran Church (1301 Richland Street, Columbia, SC, 29201) on Sunday, November 24 at 2:00 pm, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ebenezer Lutheran Church or Oliver Gospel Mission (1100 Taylor Street, Columbia, SC, 29201).