Howard Heneson Padgett Jr., 74, of Shelby passed away July 19, 2026 at Atrium Health Cleveland.

He was a native of Cleveland County born on November 3, 1951 to the late Howard Heneson Padgett Sr. and Irene Hamrick Padgett. He was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Laura Elizabeth Padgett.

Howard worked in textiles most of his life with the Dover Textiles group, and retired from Hamrick Mills. He also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Shanghai Volunteer Fire Department for several years. He was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and had a passion for Genealogy and History. He also had a love for animals and the outdoors.

Howard is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Brenda Bowen Padgett of the home; a daughter, Amanda Padgett Mowery and husband Paul of Shelby; a son, Gary Padgett and daughter-in-law Angela Padgett of Shelby; grandchildren, Trevor Mowery and wife Mckenzie, Brianna McSwain and husband Tanner, Ashley Mowery, and Delana Padgett; a sister, Doris Padgett Smalley and husband Mike of Shelby. Also left to cherish his memory are special friends Colton and Megan Morris and their son, Vance.

His funeral service will be on Thursday July 23, 2026 at 3:00 pm at Beaver Dam Baptist Church with the Rev. Andrew Renfroe and the Rev. Tom Runyon officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm prior. Burial will be at Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery following the Funeral Service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory.