Hal Racine "Captain Ray" Padgett

Hal Racine “Captain Ray” Padgett was born on Callawassie Island June 12, 1935 to his mother, Marie Bailey Padgett and his father, Henry D Padgett.  Racine passed peacefully into eternal rest at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at the age of 88.

Growing up on Callawassie Island was quite the adventure for he and his brothers and sisters experiencing the splendor of salt water activities and exploring the ruins the island provided. After his early years of education in the one room schoolhouse on the island he then attended the Bluffton school where he met his mentor Mr. H E McCracken. He enjoyed playing basketball at Bluffton High School. He continued growing up in the Bailey’s area of Okatie, South Carolina where he enjoyed his love of the outdoors, water skiing, hunting and fishing.

As a young man his work life included delivering ice by truck to Hilton Head Island residents via ferry before a bridge connected the island to the mainland. He then took his auto mechanic skills, some of which were learned working on Mr. McCracken’s vehicles, to work for Chevrolet for many years.  He purchased his first Shrimp boat, the Pandora and there his career as a Carolina Shrimper began. Racine’s boat skills brought the patrons of Benny Hudson’s Seafood restaurant delight and awe as they watched him bring his boat in four boats deep to the loading dock without ever touching the other boats. Later, Racine purchased the Josie N running her for many years until he retired in the Chechessee area.

Racine cherished his three girls believing they should know the basic survival skills, some of which included hunting, fishing, auto mechanics, fun, and love of family and God. The girls have great memories of time spent with their Dad at Jasper Hunt Club as well as Chelsea Plantation. Nothing lit up his eyes like the visits of grandchildren and their children. He had so much love in his heart that many considered him their second father well.

Racine and his wife, Ellen enjoyed hunting together with family and friends at Lightsey Hunt Club, Monkey John Hunt Club, Barnes Hunt Club and several others. Hunting was not limited to deer but included the arts of hunting dove, rabbit, hog, and beaver (and yes, they had permits!)

Racine had a huge heart dedicated to the friends he had made through the years.  He enjoyed time spent with them fishing, hunting, working on a project, supporting each other in times of need of comfort.

Racine’s love of animals, especially his dogs, taught his family care, love, respect and compassion for all God’s creatures.

Racine was a loving man that cherished his family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his Sisters, Melba P. Dunigan and Alma P. Hitchings; Brother, Henry D. Padgett, Jr.; and first wife, Martha Jo M. Ryan. He is survived by his wife, Ellen D. Padgett; Daughters: Dana P. Anderson (Jack), Deidra P. Chavis (Larry), Melanie P. Reynolds (Jim); Brother, Clifford A. Padgett (Joneen); Sister, Gail P. Carnwath (Andy †); seven Grandchildren: Meghan Scanlon (Franklin), Norman Drawdy, Jessica Webb, Reannah Zaborowski (Joey), Blake Eaton (Savanna), Brooke Drawdy and Taylor Reynolds; and ten Great-Grandchildren: Dakota, Dallas, Jackson, Addy, Dean, James, Arlee, Azzy, Logan, and Wrenlee; and one Great-Great-Grandchild, Sky.

Racine’s dedication to family and friends will be forever cherished by our many memories of time spent with him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.