SALUDA, S.C. – Augustus “Gus” Padgett 87, husband of Kathleen Caughman Padgett, died Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at his home in Saluda, SC. He was a son of the late Gus and Essie Stone Padgett and a lifelong resident of Saluda, SC. Graveside services will be held Saturday, August 3, at 4:00 p.m. at Travis Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends after the funeral.

Mr. Padgett graduated from Saluda High School in 1944 and was immediately called to serve in the United States Army. He was on the train on his way to the Pacific Theater when the war was over. He was sent back east where he served another year in Florida. When he came home, he worked at the Millikin Mill in Johnson rotating three shifts for eighteen years. He then transferred to Millikin in Saluda where he worked for twenty-six years before he retired. at the same time he delivered for 45 years the State newspaper seven days a week driving 140 miles of Saluda County roads in sunshine, sleet, snow or ice. After he retired from Millikin, he continued to deliver the paper year around, and in the summer he also worked at Yonce Family Farms managing the loading dock.

He never took a vacation. He enjoyed every day as he talked and laughed with people wherever he was. He never met a stranger. He was aware of others’ needs and was always willing to help anyone. He loved his family and he was willing to go the extra mile to help them. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and his love of people, especially of his family. One friend stated that with his death, Saluda has lost a legend. Gus lived every day to the fullest, and he said, ” I’d do it all over again. My life has been good.

Mr. Padgett is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, his daughter Susan P. Yonce (Sonny), his son Timothy O. Padgett (Karen), four grandchildren Josh Yonce, Kimberli Y. Timmerman, Tiffany Padgett, and Elliott Padgett; and three great-grandchildren Paige and William Timmerman and Ellie Grace Yonce. He is survived by his brother Horace D. Padgett, and he was predeceased by a sister Grace Padgett Bolden. Pallbearers are Josh Yonce, Elliott Padgett, Sonny Yonce, Will Timmerman, Jerry Rhodes, Jerry Pou and Mack Matthews.

Special thanks to the Hospice Team Ben, Jane and Tasha, to the loving caregivers Joni, Yvonne and Carolyn, and to Dr. Ralph Riley.

Memorials may be made to the Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation, P.O. Box 151, Drayton, SC 29333 or to St. Paul Methodist Church, 102 E. Butler Avenue, Saluda, SC 29138