Joseph Stancil ''Shorty'' Padgett, 75, of Roanoke Rapids, passed away Saturday, November 27, 2010 at Halifax Regional Medical Center. He was born October 31, 1935, the son of the late John Alfred Padgett and Rosa Carter Padgett Harlow. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Padgett Tritt, and his brothers, John Lewis Padgett and Jesse Lee Alfred ''Pop'' Padgett, his niece, Tammy Padgett Buck, and his nephew, Johnny Padgett.

Lovingly known as ''Shorty'' by family and friends, he was a native of Weldon, where he was born and lived all of his growing up years. He attended school in Weldon and graduated from Weldon High School in 1955. As Shorty would say, ''they were the good ole days''. He always enjoyed living in Weldon and working at Ham’s Place during his high school years. Shorty was a veteran of the US Army.

He received his undergraduate degree from East Carolina University, his master’s degree from The College of William and Mary, and his advanced degree in education administration from the University of Virginia. He then went on to become a teacher and principal in the Hampton City Schools for approximately 6 years. From there he became the assistant superintendent in the Fluvanna, Prince William and Loudoun County Schools, where he was directly responsible for overseeing a construction budget of more than eighty million dollars annually.

Upon his retirement from the Loudoun County Schools, he served as Director of Policy Services for the Virginia School Boards Association for 2 years. He then retired to Nags Head, NC where he lived for the next 15 years. He dearly loved the beach, but found it necessary to return to Roanoke Rapids in 2006 due to health problems. He moved into Bayberry Retirement Center for a brief period of time until the construction of his home was completed. He lived there until his death. Patricia Elias became a loving and supportive caregiver to Shorty during his last weeks. A special bond was formed and for this, Shorty was so grateful.

He is survived by his brother, William Haywood ''Bo'' Padgett and his wife, June Davis Briggs Padgett, of Roanoke Rapids; three nephews, Edwin Clifford Tritt, Jr. and his wife, Barbara, of Wrightsville, PA, Michael Wayne Padgett and David Lee Padgett, both of Roanoke Rapids, three nieces, Dianne Tritt Hilliard and her husband, Sterling, of Roanoke Rapids, Deborah Padgett Francis and her husband, Thomas, of Littleton, and Terry Padgett Webber of Wilmington; three step-nieces, Deborah Briggs Archer and Junie Briggs Conner and her husband, James, of Roanoke Rapids, and Lisa Briggs Lloyd and her husband, Kevin, of Raleigh.

Shorty had so many good friends, but his life-time Weldon friends, whom he loved so much, Frank Barham, Earl Inge, and Tommy Manning, stayed close through the years. Other very special, loving friends who always kept in touch and stayed close were Callie and Richard Johnson, Margaret and Elmer Kohlhafer, Millie Swain, Annette Downum, Betty Covington, and many more.

In early 2007, Shorty began a group which he named ''Charlie’s Angels''. Dinner meetings were held in his home, along with Christmas parties, birthday parties, and trips were taken to Nags Head and wonderful memories were made. This continued with the last gathering being on Tuesday, October 26, at which time we celebrated Shorty’s 75th birthday. This group, which he loved and shared so many laughs, was made up of Lillian Squire, Angie White, Audrey Roberts and Gail Beale.

A special thank you to the nurses in the ICU and third floor at Halifax Regional Medical Center. We will never forget all of your kindnesses.

Memorial services for Shorty will be held on Tuesday, November 30, at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Askew Funeral & Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids. Rev. Randy Martin will be officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Angels Closet, c/o Gilbert Portela, 228 Hunting Ridge Road, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 or to the Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad, PO Box 413, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

The flag in front of the funeral home flies at half-staff in honor of Mr. Padgett’s service to his country.