Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Darien – Melvin Lanier Padgett, 71, passed away Sunday, October 5, 2025, in Brunswick. Born in Jesup, he lived in Harlem, GA, for over 25 years, and in Brunswick prior to moving to Darien. He retired from CSX Railroad after nearly 40 years of service, enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, riding horses, golfing, and gardening. Melvin was a dedicated family man and papa to his grandchildren. He was a member of Darien Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and preceded in death by his parents, Lyman and Audrey Kicklighter Padgett, and his siblings, Marti Griner, Richard Padgett, Sr., Marline Padgett, and Charles Padgett.
Survivors are his wife, Cindy Padgett of Darien; daughter, Tara Kroll (Brent) of Hazlehurst; son, T. J. Poe of Darien; sisters, Sharon Rozier of Savannah and Judy Rowland of Atlanta; grandchildren, Ryan Allen, Caitlin Cattall, Cayden Webb, and Tanner Poe; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 9, at 12:00 PM at the Darien Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Burial will follow in the Pigott Branch Cemetery in Long County.
Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM prior to services at the church.
Active pallbearers will be Ryan Allen, Cayden Webb, Brent Kroll, Chance Crosby, and Doug Shirah.
Family and friends may sign the online register at www.howardfuneralga.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Howard Funeral Home of Ludowici.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melvin Padgett, please visit our floral store.