rulehigh.com

With great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude, the Padgett & Auer families announce the passing of our loving and strong, father, Mike. William “Mike” Padgett was born March 4, 1949 here in Knoxville TN, a 1966 graduate of Rule High School. Mike was a proud family man, public servant, business entrepreneur, and a long-time member of First Baptist Church, Knoxville. He was an amazing father to Matt, Mark and Sara Beth. Mike was the owner of the Homestead restaurant and catering business before running for elected office in Knox County. He served six terms as the Knox County Clerk and absolutely loved helping people, believing in a purpose of “bringing government to the people”. He is survived by his children Matt Padgett and his wife Danielle, Mark Padgett and his wife Katie and Sara Beth and her husband Kevin Auer. And seven grandchildren, Greyson & Bram Padgett, Kirby, Pierce & Pace Padgett, and Eli & Aisley Auer. Sisters Patricia (Steve) Underwood, and Suzanne (John) Greene. To know Mike was to love him. His “larger-than-life presence” garnered your attention and drew you in. Always the entertainer and quick to offer a joke and a smile. To those who were blessed to be close, he is remembered for his love of his family, his enthusiasm for the game of basketball and sharing it so deeply with his boys and his grand story telling. All seven of his grandchildren have gathered in front of their “Pop” countless times to hear a silly fabrication, an exaggerated tale or just his version of doting out holiday presents…each time hanging on to every word, captured by a magic that was only their Pop. Following over four decades of marriage to Patty Padgett the couple amicably parted ways and Mike spent the remainder of his days with his loving partner Gayle Staples. The family loves and appreciates everything Gayle has done for the family. Receiving of friends will be held Saturday March 4, 2023 at Roses Funeral & Creamtion-Broadway from 12-2pm. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosefuneraltn.com