Willie Payton

Willie L. Payton VIRGINIA BEACH - Willie Lawrence Payton, son of the late Allie and Bessie Payton passed away Nov. 12, 2010. He was predeceased by five brothers and two sisters. Willie attended elementary and high school in Norfolk. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton Institute, now Hampton University, where he distinguished himself as an outstanding athlete. He served in the Army, retired from the United States Postal Service, and officiated high school and college football for 50 years. He was inducted into the CIAA Hall of Fame. Willie leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Gloria; one daughter, Florencia Miller (Norman) of Chesapeake; one son, Ronald Payton (Linda) of Maryland; two sisters, Betty Harris (Elmer) of Virginia Beach, and Barbara King of Maryland; and his grandchildren, Le Rhonda, Qutrell, and Aeriel. He also leaves a host of other relatives and friends to cherish his memory. The family would like to thank the caring doctors and nurses at Sentara Bayside Hospital who were so helpful. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in Metropolitan Funeral Service, Granby St. Chapel. Dr. Robert Murray will officiate. Interment will be in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Norfolk. Condolences may be offered at www.metropolitanfuneralservice.com.