Paul Ray Payton

Retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant Paul Ray Payton, Sr. was born on June 21, 1951, in Queens, New York. He is the son of the late Diane Payton and the late Thomas Payton. Paul entered his eternal rest on Sunday, February 23, 2025. 

Paul began his military career in 1969, at Fort. Sam Houston, Texas. He dedicated 24 years of service to the military, and during his stellar career, he achieved numerous accreditations and accolades.

After retiring from the military, Paul began his second career as an Administrative Officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Paul worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs for 20 years.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his middle brother, Tommy Payton, and his younger brother, Dennis Payton. 

Retired U. S. Army Master Sergeant Paul Ray Payton, Sr. leaves behind to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Mrs. Mary Payton, of Clarksville, Tennessee; four children, Alfred Kerry (Erica) Greene, of Missoula, Montana, Retired U. S. Air Force Colonel Averie (Brandon) Payton, of Santa Monica, California, Nichelle (Frank) Burden, of McDonough, Georgia, and Paul Payton, Jr., of Smyrna, Tennessee; 12 grandchildren, Devin Michael, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Khadija DaShawna, of Missoula, Montana, Kira Jubillie, of Plano, Texas, Jasmine Aurianna, of Kissimmee, Florida, Mekhi Chloe, of Missoula, Montana, Isaiah Colvin, of McDonough, Georgia, Leila Greer-Payton, of Clarksville, Tennessee, Mariah Payton, of Gallatin, Tennessee, Kobe Payton, of Charlotte, North Carolina, Jaida Burden, of McDonough, Georgia, Sophie Barretto, of Santa Monica, California, and Alexander Payton, of Santa Monica, California; one sister-in-law, Shirley McKnight, of Manhattan, New York; two brother-in-laws, Michael McKnight, of Hampton, Georgia, and Kenneth McKnight, of Columbus, Georgia, and a host of nieces and nephews to cherish his memory.