Ryan Joseph Padgett

Chief Petty Officer Ryan Padgett age 32 passed away January 3, 2026.

He was born in Key West, FL on November 3, 1993 and was the son of Jamie Padgett (Jennifer) of Gray Court and Karen Smoak (Thomas) of Key West, FL.

Ryan graduated from Laurens High School before enlisting in the United States Navy. Ryan began his Naval career in Guam aboard the USS Frank Cable, with his final duty station at NRC Pensacola, FL. Throughout his career, he demonstrated exemplary performance, achieving rapid advancement to Chief Petty Officer and recently being accepted into the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) program. Ryan received multiple Early Promote evaluations in recognition of his contributions. He maintained strong connections with his family, extended relatives, and colleagues within the Navy. Those who knew him…knew of his love for riding his bike.

In addition to his parents, Ryan is survived by his brothers, David Padgett (Angela) and Adam Cathcart (Samantha); his sisters, NiKole Brooks and Hannah Cathcart; his nephews, Walker Padgett, Kilian Cathcart, Tate Cathcart; his niece, Emerson Cathcart; his step brothers, SFC Joshua Owens, Hunter Owens; his step sister, Kelsey Owens; his cousin, Sarah Jones (Ryan’s mini me); his paternal grandmother, Barbara Salisbury; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Ryan is preceded in death by his brother, Justin Cathcart; his maternal grandmother, Karen Frailey; his maternal grandfather, MSG Jim Kennedy; his paternal grandfathers, Jimmy Padgett and Calvin Wilson.

A Funeral Service with Military Honors will be held Friday, January 16, 2026 at Grace Community Chapel, 18284 SC 101 Gray Court, SC at 2:00 PM. The family will greet friends on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Gray Funeral Home of Laurens.

In lieu of flowers, the Padgett family request donations be sent to Hannah Cathcart, 2283 Bethel Church Road, Gray Court, SC 29645. It’s what Ryan would have wanted.

Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com

Gray Funeral Home of Laurens in honored to assist the Padgett family with services.