It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Clayton A. Padgett of Clermont, Florida on Monday, June 15, 2020. He was 92.

Clayton was born in 1927 in nearby Ferndale, Florida, son of Arthur and Blanche (Inez) Padgett. His father from Georgia and mother from North Carolina, they settled in Lake County, Florida, with Clayton being the only son of their five children. Clayton represented the tenth generation of Padgetts in his lineage in the United States, starting with his 7th great grandfather, Edmund Padgett, who arrived in Virginia from England in 1665.

Growing up in Ferndale, he went on to serve in the U.S. Merchant Marines and later in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, deployed to Europe to keep the peace in that region. After his military service, Clayton had a career spanning over 30 years with Continental Can in Winter Garden, Florida, working to support the region's citrus industry by making cans for citrus juice. After his retirement from Continental, Clayton pursued his interest in real estate and continued to work as a real estate developer in different parts of Orange County, Florida.

Clayton was a 32° Scottish Rite Freemason, raised over sixty years ago to the degree of Master Mason in 1954 and an active member of the Clermont Lodge in Florida. Many in the past few days have remembered him for his kindness and generosity, frequently giving of his time, energy, and resources to help others throughout the years. This included his desire to invest in the future, leaving a living legacy by helping to sponsor the college education of his children and grandchildren.

Clayton is survived by his loving wife, Lena; children, Deborah (and Mitch, spouse), Donna (and Danny, spouse), Tony, and Bryan (and Christol, spouse); sister, Shirley; as well as 8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Becker Funeral Home located in Clermont, Florida. Interment will follow at Ferndale Cemetery. The family suggests in lieu of flowers that memorials in Clayton's name be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Heart Association.