Russell "Skinny" Dean Padgett

Russell "Skinny" Padgett was born November 10, 1951 in Rutherford, NC and was called to Heaven on January 10, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde Max Padgett and Gladys Jean Bailey Padgett. A loving and devoted father, husband and pawpaw, he loved nothing more than spending time with his family: camping, fishing and participating in sports. Russell was not only a teacher in his profession, but also in life. He taught his children the importance of family, country and Christ. Always the encourager, he was proud of his children and grandchildren. He loved to read, especially books on history and patriotism. During his time, he was loved and respected by many. His devotion to his family, friends, country, and fellow veterans is beyond compare. He is survived by his loving family: wife Donna of 40 years, children: Donnie Collier (Deanna), Angel Padgett Hamric (Earl), James Collier, Gary Padgett (Jami) and Misty Loyd Contreras and was the best pawpaw to 23 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. For Russell, perhaps the most important service he performed was in support of the Patriot Guard Riders of Alabama. He completed hundreds of missions and served as a mentor, Ride Captain and Birmingham District Ride Captain. He made it a personal mission to make sure that every fallen veteran received the honors they were due and respect for the families. Served in the US Army Military Police Corp in DaNang South Vietnam with the 504th MP Bn. Some of the dreams and memories plagued him throughout his life, as did Agent Orange. Russell spent 25 years as a paramedic working on ambulances in Fairfield, Forestdale, Pleasant Grove, Homewood, Hoover, and Bessemer and teaching classes for various ambulance companies and as a Captain for Sylvan Springs Fire and Rescue. He loved patient care, especially for the elderly. He prided himself in his ability to keep patients alive enroute to the hospital. Besides paramedic, he worked in his dad's store, Busy Bee Grocery and as Lead Medic, then head of security at Walter Coke. He served as Commander of VFW Post 1762, various positions in American Legion Post 137 in Fairfield and PR Officer then Sargent of Arms for the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association 28-5. He was also a life member of the Disabled Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America and the VFW, devoting much of this time to helping veterans. In lieu of flowers, please donate to: Combat Vets Association, Disabled Veterans of America or the Patriot Guard Riders of Alabama, in his honor.

Russell "Skinny" Dean Padgett

November 10, 1951 - January 10, 2022