Robert Harris Padelford

Robert Harris Padelford passed away peacefully at home on February 9, 2025. He was born on April 4, 1957 in Taunton, Massachusetts to Robert A. and Sybil (Bigbie) Padelford.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, his niece Amanda (Johns) Watson who he loved as his own, his nephew Benjamin Eiseman, and many friends throughout the years.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lane Padelford, daughter Jessica Guerard (William), and sons Mitchell (Whitney) and Matthew (Kayla). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Liam, Owen, Paisley June, Oakleigh Jade, Anthony, Audriana, Colton, Jayce, Bailey, and Levi. He also leaves behind his siblings: Robin (Ron) Eiseman, Betty (Ron) Bartlett, Allen (Valerie) Padelford, Penney (Robin) Norton, and many nieces and nephews.

Robert graduated from Avon Park High School in 1975 and was a lifelong Red Devil fan. He enjoyed cheering for the Miami Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Miami Dolphins. He loved watching the Boston Celtics with his mom in the Larry Bird days. His favorite athletes were his children, and his grandkids. He never missed a practice or a game when his kids were playing sports, often showing up covered head to toe in orange grove dust with his work boots on.
He worked his whole life in the Florida citrus industry as a heavy equipment operator.

Robert was an avid outdoorsman, spending every free moment in the woods or on the water. His last days were spent running his bird dogs, Maggie and Prime, at the bombing range. He was happiest when he had his kids with him enjoying his favorite pastimes.

Robert has attended the 12 Hours of Sebring for most of his life, discovering his passion for sports car racing in 1967. He never missed a race and had already purchased his 2025 ticket. He also enjoyed the Rolex 24 in Daytona, and Lemans.

His greatest sources of pride were his 3 children, who he loved fiercely. He was many things in life, but being a dad was his favorite. He and his wife spent their child rearing years instilling the values of hard work and family in their children. He taught his kids everything he knew about hunting, fishing, sports, life, and love. His grandchildren added to his immense pride in the family he helped create.

Robert will be missed by so many friends. He never met a stranger, and most people who knew him could always count on him to tell the greatest story they’ve ever heard, or a funny story from the past. He was an incredible storyteller, with impeccable delivery.

Always the prankster, Robert would never be caught without his plastic cockroach in his pocket. He took pleasure in scaring unsuspecting family members, many of whom also had a plastic cockroach in their pocket. He also utilized other props such as rats, snakes, bats, owls, and a fuzzy gorilla mask. He gained his silly and playful sense of humor from his mother.

Robert was deeply loved by his family, friends, and community. He was full of life, joy, and humor, and he cherished his time with his family and his passions.

In lieu of flowers, his family simply asks that you crack open a cold one, take a long drag, and listen to Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd in his memory.

His family welcomes all who knew him to attend his Celebration of Life, to be held on February 23, 2025 at Coulter Barn located at 1875 N. Dressel Rd, Avon Park, FL 33825. They ask that you bring your fondest memories of Robert to share.

Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
4001 Sebring Parkway
Sebring, FL 33870
Online condolences may be left at
www.stephensonnelsonfh.com