- Date Of Birth: March 13, 1937
- Date Of Death: July 18, 2021
- City: Palatka
- State: Florida
Hugh Mattingly Padgett, Jr., also lovingly known as “Hugo” or “Pidge” depending on how and when people knew him, “pierced the veil” from this earth-walk to be in the presence of God on Sunday, July 18, 2021, at 84 years of age after a brief illness. Born on March 13, 1937, in Palatka, Florida, he lived an industrious and fulfilling life. Hugo was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Ocala ward and often volunteered his services in support. He had conservative views and a strong sentiment toward “God, country, motherhood, and apple pie.”
From his early days as “Pidge”, he was laser-focused on whatever he set out to accomplish. He had an impeccable work ethic and excelled at a broad array of ventures, including serving in the Air Force while stationed in Texas in the ’50s, cabbage farming and owner/operator of Padco Builders in Hastings in the ’60s, as pilot and owner of HP Helicopters in Haines City in the 70’s and 80’s, his business ventures abroad in the late ’80s, as owner and private investigator of AAA Investigations in the ’90s, and for the past 20+ years as owner/manager of Tractor Services, LLC in Ocala. His reputation for being a hands-on business owner and helping others succeed, honoring his word, and assuring that he followed through on his commitments preceded him. He lived larger than life with a sense of adventure that never stopped and he left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Marjorie Padgett; daughter, Sandi Jo Padgett; sons Hugh M. “Matt” Padgett, III and Robert Sowell Padgett.
He is survived by his son, Walter Michael “Mike” Olson (Traci), daughter Joni Jane Andrews (David), grandsons Michael Olson (Lexi and great-granddaughter Lakeyn) and Steven Thomas Olson, granddaughters Hannah Lorraine Katz, Brittany Nicole Katz, and Kayelin Hoy; and many other friends and loved ones.
