William “Mike” Padgett was bigger than life and had more friends than most. Incredibly, he won election six times as Knox County Clerk – a Democrat in Republican Knox County. He would probably still be the clerk but for term-limits. Who can forget those chili supper fundraisers at Central High School?
Mr. Padgett, 73, died February 25, 2023. He was a graduate of Rule High School (1966). He brought an entrepreneur’s mindset to government service, always looking for ways to expand service or, as he put it, “Bringing government to the people.” He took the lead in opening satellite offices in Halls, South Knox, Cedar Bluff and Farragut. And he got other officeholders, like the trustee and sheriff, to help pay for them.
He was proudest of the kids he and Patty brought into the world and raised. All smart, good-looking and athletic. Sons Matt and Mark played basketball for Halls High School; Matt signed with Troy while Mark played for Lincoln Memorial University. Sara Beth was a strong volleyball player. The extended family is listed in the obituary here.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 4, from noon to 2 p.m. at Rose’s Funeral Home, Broadway.