William Clifford Payton, Jr.

Mr. William Clifford Payton, Jr., 85, of Elberton, GA passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at Athens Regional Medical Center. Mr. Payton was the son of the late Catherine Sutton and William Clifford Payton, Sr.He was married to his precious bride of 64 years, Isabel Frances Young Payton. Mr. Payton was a U.S. Navy Veteran, having served in World War II as a Seaman 1st Class with the Amphibious Unit, and the recipient of the Purple Heart Award.He was a Mason for over 50 years,and a deacon for 15 years.Mr. Payton loved his guitar and singing the old gospel hymns and bluegrass.His loved watching and feeding hummingbirds, and enjoyed growing beautiful flowers. In addition to his wife,Mr. Payton is survived by a daughter, Billie Smith (Tony), five grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.He also leaves behind one brother, three sisters,and a beloved sister-in-law and her husband, Charlene and Wendell Cleveland.Mr. Payton was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, and 2 sisters. A service to celebrate Mr. Payton’s life will be held Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at The Chapel of Hicks Funeral Home.Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. just prior to the service.Entombment will be at Forest Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers,memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hicksfuneral.com. Hicks Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mr. William Clifford Payton, Jr.