Stephen Russell Payton

Mr. Stephen Russell Payton, age 69 of Summerville, Georgia passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026 in a Rome hospital.

Steve was born in Trion, Georgia on August 5, 1956, son of the late Loy Russell Payton and Thelma Ruth Arden Payton. He was retired from International Paper, where he was a millwright. Steve was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving following the Vietnam War, during the Cold War Era. He was on the Board of Directors of the Rome Kraft Credit Union and was of the Baptist Faith. Steve was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing with his grandkids and his uncle, Joe Payton. He loved working in his yard, woodworking and piddling in his shop, but his greatest activity was being a Dad and Grandfather.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by a brother, Phillip Payton.

Steve is survived by his wife, Mitzi Payton; daughters and sons-in-law, Anna and Brandon Ball, Hannah and Isaac Etter and Haley and Martin Muiños; grandchildren, Zeke Ball, Ellie Ball, Malachi Ball, Samuel Ball, Eva Etter, Titus Etter and Meadow Muiños; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In accordance with Steve’s wishes, he will be cremated and the family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Stephen Russell Payton. Please visit www.coffmanfh.net to sign our online guestbook and post condolences.