Kenneth Payton's Obituary
Kenneth Payton, 67, of Chattanooga, passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in a local hospital. He was born on May 15, 1958, in Chattanooga to Geraldine Payton and Wirt Toney. He was a graduate of Howard High School with the class of 1976.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine Payton; his father, Wirt Toney; grandmother, Doretha Billingsley; uncles, Isaac (Peter) Payton, Gregory Billingsley, and Hershel Lee Payton; aunt, Ethel Mae Gilbert; and his brother, Anthony Payton.
Those left to cherish his memories include his loving partner of 39 years, Kathy Lemaster; sons, Kevin Payton and Kendrick Payton; 3 grandchildren, Kamillyah Payton, Keontay Payton, and Dougie Payton; brother, Jonathan (Latisha) Payton; sister, Felecia (James, Jr.) Moore, all of Chattanooga; uncles, Bobby Billingsley, John Billingsley, and Faddie Billingsley, Jr, all of Chattanooga, William Payton of Whitwell, TN, and Albert Billingsley of Los Angeles, CA; aunt, Diane Cosper of Chattanooga; nieces, Lakita Douglas, LaCora Benn, and Janethia Payton; nephew, Dominique Epps; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Kenneth will lie-in-state on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon in the Chapel with Dr. William Sullivan, Sr. as the Eulogist. Burial in Highland Memorial Gardens.
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