April 1st, 1952 Mr. Rex E. Padgett took a chance that he says fooled himself. Repairing watches, clocks and learning the jewelry trade, he built a business that would withstand the test of time. Starting in Chattahoochee, Florida on Washington street, he carved out a niche for his talents and creations. He soon married Joyce Bates and it became a family business that still stands today. In 1976 he decided to move the store across Gadsden County to Quincy, Florida where the business flourished.
Purchasing Woods Jewelers, Mr. Padgett set up in the old Belk-Hudson building. He kept training, taking courses when necessary and producing beautiful jewelry. They added many collections, fine China, and gifts using Joyce’s eye for style and grace. The children grew up in the store and learned the jewelry trade as well.
Today Mr. Padgett is 96 years old and still comes to work everyday. The store is now managed by Virginia Padgett “Beth” the youngest girl of the bunch. Inheriting her mom’s eye and her dad’s drive, she is restoring the store to it’s former glory, while still maintaining the old fashioned, service oriented business that her dad started over 70 years ago.
