Obituary of Oscar Earl Padgett

Oscar Earl Padgett, a beloved father and cherished member of the Bedford community passed away peacefully on June 16, 2024 after battling several years with a rare form of frontal temporal lobe dementia. His passing on Father's Day was exceptionally appropriate as he loved our heavenly Father and his children with all his heart. Oscar was preceded in death by his father, William Grafton Padgett & his mother, Barbara Watson Padgett.

Born on June 18, 1949, Oscar was a proud native of Bedford, Virginia. He spent his Life contributing to his community and by building lasting friendships. He was a member of the Liberty High School class of 1967. Oscar later moved on to become a “trained killer” at Virginia Military Institute, earning a degree in Economics to serve as his cover. He participated on both VMI’s football and baseball teams.

Oscar was known for his generous demeanor, unwavering kindness, sense of humor, entrepreneurial spirit, and steadfast dedication to his family. He never met a stranger that he wasn’t willing to share what he had. He had a deep appreciation for the finer things in life that Bedford had to offer, such as a Hardee’s #3 with extra butter, extra ice, half and half tea, and reading the morning paper while having a gourmet cup of coffee at the local Shell station.  Oscar had many fond memories of his first job in high school at Buddy Burger’s. After college he landed a job with Corrugated Containers. For many years he and his partner, Tommy Reynolds created joy for others with Sunshine Pools. Oscar began developing and selling real estate through his company The Heritage Corporation, which was created with the help of his mentor and dear friend, Mr. J.J. Morgan. He had the ability to see the potential in most anything, which led to the development of Carriage Hill Retirement Community. One of his more memorable endeavors was the Bic O’s Limo Service. (not to be confused with Big O!) The family is not sure he ever made a penny on it, but he sure did enjoy driving the children around for ice cream.

He is survived by his children, James Grafton Padgett, Catheryn Padgett Wolf (Will); grandchildren, Walker and Wren Wolf. In addition, his sister, Charlotte Duis (Fred), nephew and niece, Mac Duis (Sandy), Sarah Thomasson (Greg) and their children.

The family will be holding a service to honor Oscar's life and legacy with a visitation from 6 until 8 PM on Friday, June 21 at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford. A Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 22 at Updike Funeral Home Chapel, Bedford. Interment will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery.

Family and Friends are invited back to 1320 Boone Drive, Bedford VA to celebrate the Bic O’s life following the interment.

A special thank you to the following pallbearers: Mr. Emery Baya, Mr. Tim Childress, Mr. Gary Dove, Mr. Perry Goode, Mr. Watts Key, Mr. Joe Laughon, Mr. John Morgan, and Mr. Francis Nance. Honorary pallbearers Charles and Charlotte Barksdale. 

The family asks if your heart so leads please consider donations be made to: The Class of 71 Endowment in the VMI Foundation, P.O. Box 932 Lexington, Virginia 24450.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.