James Hadley Badge

Published in Winston-Salem Journal on January 12, 2011

WINSTON-SALEM - Mr. James Hadley Badgett, 94, passed away January 10, 2011 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. He was born February 11, 1916 in Surry County to the late Robert Gurney Badgett and Lottie Simpson Badgett.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Becky Meshaw, and four brothers, Brady, Ricie, Roy, and Paul Badgett.

Hadley grew up on a tobacco farm in Yadkin County. He graduated from Courtney High School in 1933 where he played baseball and basketball.

After high school he played Minor League baseball with the Winston-Salem Twins and Thomasville High Toms. He then played baseball for Chatham Manufacturing Company where he worked until 1951. Hadley then worked for McLean Trucking Company as an over-the-road driver until his retirement in 1974.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II aboard the aircraft carrier, The U.S.S. Essex, in the South Pacific.

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Louise McGee Badgett of the home; a daughter, Ann Israel of Winston-Salem; three grandchildren, Kim Peatross, Karen Mankin (husband Jason), and Allen Marion; four great-grandchildren, Henley and Jack Peatross, and Hudson and Madelyn Mankin.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel with the Rev. David Morgan officiating.

The family will receive friends following the Service. Memorials may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Center, 101 Hospice Ln., Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.