John Fay Padgett, 92, of Forest City, NC passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, Forest City.  Born in Cliffside, he was the son of the late John Wilson Padgett and Florence Reynolds Padgett.  John was a real estate developer, a past member of the Rutherford County Board of Education, the NC State Board of Education, and the first City Manager for the Town of Forest City.  He was also a member of First Baptist Church, Forest City, having served as a deacon, the WNC Appaloosa Association, the Shiloh Horseman’s Association and he was an avid NC State athletics supporter and fan.

Survivors include his wife, Bernice Raines Padgett, of the home; son, Greg Padgett (Lisa) of Forest City; daughters, Janice Nicholson (Chuck) of Forest City and Page Crater (Mark) of Lexington, NC; grandchildren, Clair Calin (Cody), John Padgett, Allison Edgerton (Travis), Kathleen Nicholson, Jack Crater (Grace), and Thomas Crater.

Funeral services will be held 2 pm, Wednesday, August 21, 2024, in the First Baptist Church, Forest City with the Reverend Dr. Garin Hill officiating.  Interment will follow in the Cliffside Cemetery with honors rendered by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2 pm Wednesday in the fellowship hall of the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. 

Services are under the direction of The Padgett & King Mortuary.  Online condolences may be made at www.padgettking.com.