David Coleman Padgett

David Coleman Padgett, 76, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, surrounded by the prayers and love of his family.

David was born on March 14, 1950, in Statesville, North Carolina, to Coleman Hedrick Padgett and Lucy Kyles Padgett. He grew up with a strong work ethic, a kind heart, and a willingness to help others that stayed with him throughout his life. He worked as a welder for more than 30 years. He was also a faithful member of Shiloh Methodist Church.

On July 10, 1971, David married the love of his life, Kaye Cash Padgett. Together they built a beautiful life over 55 years of marriage, raising two daughters who were the joy of his life. His family was always his greatest accomplishment, and nothing meant more to him than watching it continue to grow.

David found happiness in the simple things. He loved spending time on the golf course with his friends, fishing, cheering on the North Carolina Tar Heels, and being outdoors taking pride in caring for his home and yard. He never hesitated to help a neighbor, and he was happiest when he was spending time with the people he loved.

In 2020, David received the incredible gift of a heart transplant. He often recognized God's hand in the blessings he received, and through the extraordinary generosity of his donor and the donor's family, he was blessed with six more years. Those six years were filled with birthdays, graduations, holidays, and countless memories that our family will cherish forever. We will always be grateful for the priceless gift of that extra time.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Kaye Cash Padgett; his daughters, Melissa Padgett Dagenhart (Phillip) of Mooresville, North Carolina, and Kimberly Tyler Sakrison (Ryan) of Durham, North Carolina; his sister, Joanne Ledbetter; his sister-in-law, Roberta Padgett; his sister-in-law and friend, Loyce Campbell; his seven cherished grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Dylan (Anah), Cole, Taylor, Pierce, Charlie, and Ashley; his best furry friend Bandit, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Coleman Hedrick Padgett and Lucy Kyles Padgett; his brother, Jerry Padgett; and his brother-in-law, Wayne Ledbetter.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Duke University Hospital Heart Transplant Team and the Palliative Care Team for the exceptional care they gave David throughout his transplant journey. We are equally grateful to the staff of Gordon Hospice House for the love, dignity, comfort, and respect they showed David and our family during his final days. Finally, we extend our deepest thanks to David's heart donor and the donor's family for their incredible act of generosity.

A celebration of David's life will be held at Shiloh Methodist Church in Statesville, North Carolina on July 30th at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Gordon Hospice House in honor of David's memory. Donations may be made through Hospice of Iredell County Donation Page.