James Alfred “Hot” Padgett

James Alfred “Hot” Padgett of Ethel, Arkansas, born on February 22, 1932, left this Earth to be with Jesus on December 30, 2019, at the age of 87. He had spent two evenings prior to his homegoing with some of his great-grandchildren and they truly did bring him joy. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Lois Irene Murphy Padgett. He leaves behind 4 children, James Padgett (Robin) , Carolyn Padgett Knowlton (Ron) , Michael Padgett, and Jeff Padgett (Kim), all of Ethel. He will be missed and lovingly remembered by 15 grandchildren: Lance (Donna) Padgett, Ashlee Padgett Reynolds (Michael); Kristy Knowlton Sellers (Jim), Melissa Knowlton Ruffin (Ben); Sara Padgett Heathcott (Adam), Seth Padgett and Jessica Padgett Reed (Derrick); Hannah Padgett and Jesse Padgett; and his 9 great-grandchildren: Sydnee Battle and Kassie Padgett; Gage and Matthew Reynolds; Caroline, Cora, and Abby Joy Sellers, and Noah and Kinley Ruffin.

Hot worked for a lifetime, well into his seventies, on the family farm as a farmer and as a surveyor for other local farmers. He enjoyed spending time playing dominos and pool as well as hunting with his bride all over Briar Ridge and fishing on the White River Refuge. He was usually the quiet one in the boat but he could catch some fish! It was always fun when he caught more than Lois because he would just laugh quietly about it and she would be fired up! He loved spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with chocolate and candies when they would visit or when he would go visit them. He always worked hard to care for his family but the light of his life went out when he lost his wife, Lois, on November 14, 2013. Now, he’s having a wonderful reunion with her, all his siblings and other family members who’ve gone on to Heaven before him. He was a member of Belleview Missionary Baptist Church in Ethel.

Funeral services are January 1 at Belleview missionary Baptist Church with burial in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery by Essex Funeral Home. www.essexfuneralhome.com