Johnny Payton, 58

August 27, 1966 – April 13, 2025

Johnny Payton, lovingly known as “JP”, was born August 27, 1966 in New Albany, Mississippi to the late Roosevelt Payton, Sr. and Lucille Boyd Payton. He departed this life on April 13, 2025 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in New Albany, Mississippi.

He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Union Prospect MB Church in New Albany, Mississippi.

Johnny graduated from W.P. Daniel High School with the class of 1985. While at Daniel, he was a prolific athlete, best known for his athleticism and leadership skills on the basketball court. During the tenure of his favorite coach, Coach Harvey Childers, Johnny helped lead the W. P. Daniel High School basketball team to the Mississippi High School 3A Basketball State Championship. This special team also had an undefeated season where they went 36-0. He was rewarded for his efforts with a sport in the Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC) North South All-Star Game. He was voted as the Most Outstanding Offensive Player after scoring a game-high twenty- four points. The hometown crowd loved to cheer, “Leap Johnny leap, and get up off of your feet!”

After high school, Johnny attended Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville, Mississippi. He and Coach Childers found themselves as state champions once again during their inaugural year with the Tigers. Johnny started for Coach Childers at guard for six straight years as a freshman at W.P. Daniel and throughout his tenure at Northeast Community College. After graduating from Northeast in 1987, he signed a basketball scholarship with the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). In October 2023, he was inducted into the Northeast Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame.

Basketball helped shape Johnny’s leadership later in life when he became Street Commissioner with the City of New Albany. His career with the City of New Albany was one that he relished and was proud to be an integral part along with the crew of the City Street Department. In November 2022, the city honored Johnny along with the Street Department for their dedication and hard work with a luncheon. The same year, Johnny was appointed Grand Marshall of the annual Christmas Parade. The Modern Woodman of America also recognized him as a “Hometown Hero”. He was also a part of the Payton Mortuary funeral home family as a funeral attendant and groundskeeper.

Not only was Johnny a talented athlete and a leader in the community, but he was also a devoted family man. He was married to his loving wife, Mildred Payton, for thirty-four years. Together they raised three beautiful and wonderful children: Brandy, Brittany, and Johntavis. He also cherished quality time with his eight grandchildren, often spoiling them with “tractor” rides and family trips. He also enjoyed attending and watching Ole Miss sports, raising chickens, and training his beloved dogs.

Johnny Payton was a man that loved his family, cherished his friends, enjoyed his career, and made lifetime memories with beloved peers that will never be forgotten. Johnny will be dearly missed among his community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roosevelt Payton, Sr. and Lucille Boyd Payton; his mother-in-law, Elnora Dixon; and brothers-in-law, Rayburn Dixon, Joe Earl Dixon, and Roosevelt “Sonny” Farr.

Johnny leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy: his loving wife, Mildred Dixon Payton; three children, Brittany (Thomas) Moore of Atlanta, GA, Johntavis Payton of New Albany, MS, and Brandy Wallace of Tupelo, MS; eight grandchildren; six siblings, Nylean Parks of Atlanta, GA, Roosevelt Payton, Jr. of New Albany, MS, Vera Farr of New Albany, MS, Dorothy (John) Howell of New Albany, MS, Debra (Ricky) Golden of Fayetteville, GA, and Jennifer (Leo) Kimmons of New Albany, MS; and a host of other relatives, friends, and the W.P. Daniel High School Class of 1985.

Visitation will be Friday, April 18, 2025, from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Payton Mortuary. Family hour will be from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Funeral service will be Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM at New Albany Middle School Gymnasium, 400 Apple Street, New Albany, MS.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

Visitation

•   Friday, April 18, 2025
•   1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Payton Mortuary

  262 E Oxford St.
  Pontotoc, MS 38863

   

Funeral Service