Ronald Dale Padgett, M.D., age 72, of Bamberg, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at his Johns Island home on February 2, 2026. Known to all as Dale, he lived a life defined by service, leadership, and deep love for his family and community.
Raised in Bamberg, South Carolina, Dale was the son of the late Jack and Kitty Padgett. He was a proud graduate of Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School and valedictorian of the class of 1971. He went on to graduate from The Citadel in 1975 and earned his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1980, where he served as President of his class during both his junior and senior years – an early reflection of the leadership and dedication that would define his life.
In 1983, Dr. Padgett returned to Bamberg and opened a family medical practice where he faithfully served Bamberg and the surrounding community for more than 40 years. To his patients, Dale was more than a physician – he was a trusted presence, a listener, and a constant in their lives. Caring for others was not simply his profession, but his calling.
Dale’s commitment to service extended well beyond his own practice. He served for many years on the Bamberg County School Board, where he worked tirelessly to support education and the future of his community. He cherished and was deeply dedicated to teaching and mentoring future physicians. In recognition of this passion, he was named the South Carolina Academy of Family Practice Student Educator of the Year for 2004-2005 and received the South Carolina AHEC Preceptor of the Year Award.
A proud Citadel alum, Dale also mentored freshman Citadel cadets, many of whom became like family to him. He took great pride in guiding young men with the same steady leadership and encouragement that defined every role he played.
Above all else, Dale cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his children, Dale Padgett, Jr. (Emily), Kate Achanti (Anand), and Martin Padgett (Shelby); his grandchildren, Andrews and Bridge Padgett, Ravi Achanti, and Risher and Wilder Padgett; his brother, Jack Padgett; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. While he loved his wife and children deeply, his grandchildren were the light of his life and nothing brought him more joy than time spent with them.
Larger than life and full of joy, Dale had a gift for having fun wherever he went. He loved time spent at Edisto Beach and being on the water with his family. He also delighted in tailgating at Citadel and Wofford football games, especially during the years his son played football – moments that perfectly captured his love of family, tradition, and celebration.
Dale will be remembered for his generous spirit, steady leadership, and lifelong commitment to service. His legacy – as a physician, mentor, community leader, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend – will live on in the countless lives he touched.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at Trinity Methodist Church, 11761 Heritage Highway (US 78), Bamberg, South Carolina 29003. The family will receive friends from 1:30-3:00 PM prior to the service. A family burial will follow in Bamberg County Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Methodist Church, P.O. Box 335, Bamberg, S.C. 29003