This memorial celebrates the life of Roger Padgett. Thank you for contributing your favorite stories and memories of him.
OBITUARY
Roger recently celebrated 10 years of employment with Priority One. He was known for his lighthearted disposition and strong relationships with dealer partners.
“Roger was a storyteller – telling tales all day and making everyone laugh. He promoted levity, always brightening the room and the conversation. Roger also had a wonderful relationship with many of his dealers, attending their trade shows and communicating with them... see more
Roger recently celebrated 10 years of employment with Priority One. He was known for his lighthearted disposition and strong relationships with dealer partners.
“Roger was a storyteller – telling tales all day and making everyone laugh. He promoted levity, always brightening the room and the conversation. Roger also had a wonderful relationship with many of his dealers, attending their trade shows and communicating with them regularly,” said Rina Aponte, Senior Manager of Operations.
Outside of the office, Roger enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, watching Clemson football and spending time with his fiancé, Lisa.
It's hard to put into words how much of a blow this is to lose Roger. He truly was an extension of our business and embodied the role of business partner to the fullest. Not only were our clients in good hands but so were we. More importantly though, he... moreIt's hard to put into words how much of a blow this is to lose Roger. He truly was an extension of our business and embodied the role of business partner to the fullest. Not only were our clients in good hands but so were we. More importantly though, he became a good friend. A man I have never met in person but spoke to every day about everything. Roger made me laugh on a daily basis, in fact he made everyone he spoke to laugh. I have random notes throughout my desk of thoughts and suggestions from Roger. Bumped to the top of my list now is ordering the chicory coffee he was raving about. His knowledge was so extensive and he helped me with so many things above and beyond the call of duty. He had nicknames for almost everyone. I was princess wonky, Kevin was Mr. Perfect and I have so many more names of people I know were important to him: Sunshine, Skippy, Puddin pop come to mind, but the list goes on and on. He saw the good in everyone and the quirky things about them that made them unique. He was a partner in crime and tried his best to keep me out of trouble with his team. Always reassuring me there was nothing so bad that some rum couldn't fix if I landed in the ultimate time out corner. His opening line for most phone calls more often than not was "You're killing me!" And under pressure he would grumble but would always say don't worry, you know I'll get it done. He is greatly missed and I hope his friends and family take great peace in hearing from someone they have never met, how proud he was of them and how much he loved them. Lisa, his mom, his kids and grandkids were always a topic of discussion and he would share his most favorite photos. He was preparing to enter a new chapter of his life he was very excited about it. I don't think his retirement plans still including sitting in a dunk tank heckling people to let out years of customer service aggression and biting his tongue. A sunset on the beach sounds like the most appropriate way to honor his life cut to short. I like to think he lived each day to its fullest. less
Every time I talked to Roger he always had me smiling or laughing that was Roger. He will be missed very much anyone who met him or talked to him felt right at ease like he was already part of the family. My heart goes out to his Momma, Kids, grand kids... moreEvery time I talked to Roger he always had me smiling or laughing that was Roger. He will be missed very much anyone who met him or talked to him felt right at ease like he was already part of the family. My heart goes out to his Momma, Kids, grand kids and of course his love Lisa. All I can think about is the post you make the night before we heard this very sad news of how happy and excited you were to become his wife. I really feel a huge need to give you the biggest hug...but of course that won't bring him back but I pray it would help in some small way. Please know that we will always be here for you and anything you may need. Sending hugs and prayers to you all. Just make sure to have some rum whenever you think of him I know I will. less
I will deeply miss Roger, It's true, all of it. The stories, the rum and his charisma. He surely made me laugh a bunch over the years. Roger was a sweetheart and my heart goes out to the family. HUGS, LOVE and Prayers to the family. P1 Family!
We are going to miss him. Roger was a cherished soul who touched the lives of everyone he met. Many mornings, he could be found at the Waffle House, where he was not just a regular, but a beloved part of the family there. He would even have them write a... moreWe are going to miss him. Roger was a cherished soul who touched the lives of everyone he met. Many mornings, he could be found at the Waffle House, where he was not just a regular, but a beloved part of the family there. He would even have them write a note for him if he was going to be late (yes, it worked as we could not stop laughing.)
As the General Manager at Bates RV, Roger ran the entire dealership with dedication and passion. He was a man who thrived on the challenges of his job and constantly busy, always chasing the "rabbits". His commitment to helping anyone and everyone was unwavering. Roger was not just a leader; he was a friend, a mentor, and a guiding light to all who knew him. Thank goodness Bates closed and Priority One got him over 10 years ago.
Roger's love for his boys and grandkids was boundless, and he spoke of them with pride and joy every chance he got. He also made it a point to visit his mom as often as he could, even purchasing an RV to travel and spend more time with her. His deep affection for Lisa, his best friend and soon-to-be wife, was evident to all. Their bond was a beautiful testament to true love and companionship. Lisa, we are here for you!
Known for his sense of humor and storytelling, Roger could keep everyone entertained with his tales, bringing laughter and joy to those around him. If I ever was going to travel, I asked Roger about the destination first, he had a story or experience to share. He had a special talent for making people smile, whether through his stories, his interactions, or his unique habit of carrying bail money in his shoe for his adventures. I will miss the stories he would share about Sean without Sean knowing I heard them (Skippy.)
Roger's relationships with his dealers were filled with warmth and camaraderie. He would attend their shows and call them with funny music playing in the background, talk for hours sharing stories, and always finding a way to bring levity and laughter into their lives. His efforts were recognized with numerous awards, with the most recent being the Big Kahuna award for both quarters this year, a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Roger's presence could light up any room, and his conversations were a source of joy for everyone. His ability to promote levity and brighten any situation made him someone everyone wanted to be around. His stories, his laughter, and his love will be deeply missed. We can't say enough about the wonderful person Roger was. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, dear Roger. You will be forever missed and always remembered. Thank you, Heather, for providing us this space to share our stores and memories. less
Roger was such a ray of light - I always left every interaction with him just a little bit happier usually giggling about a joke he'd made. He had such a wonderful outlook on life and a warm, kind heart. We were so lucky he found his way to P1 10 years... moreRoger was such a ray of light - I always left every interaction with him just a little bit happier usually giggling about a joke he'd made. He had such a wonderful outlook on life and a warm, kind heart. We were so lucky he found his way to P1 10 years ago bringing so much knowledge of our industry with him. I always appreciated getting his perspective over the years and had deep respect for his knowledge and experience. I am heartbroken for his family - his boys, his mother and for Lisa and for all of those who considered him a friend. I hope they continue to feel his warmth as they navigate the days and months ahead. less