Coy Franklin Payton Jr. (1954 – 2024)

Coy Franklin Payton Jr., 69, of Chester Gap, Virginia, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024, at his home.

Coy Franklin Payton Jr.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal, Virginia, with Pastor Karl Heltibridle officiating.

Mr. Payton was born on October 22, 1954, in Oakridge, Tennessee, to the late Coy Sr. and Audrey Hammer Payton.  He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.  He grew up in Falls Church and the surrounding Northern Virginia area, graduated from J.E.B. Stuart High School, and attended Liberty University through their school of lifelong learning.

Mr. Payton was an author of literature, and his “Inner Skies/Naked Page” was published.  He worked as an Electro-Mechanical Inspector, Quality Assurance Technician, and meat cutter at Food Lion Stores.

Later in life, he was a wonderful teacher for his children and shared his love for his family, nature, animals, music, photography, and poetry with his son, Ariel.  Their special relationship was one of mutual love, understanding, and caring.  He also loved to walk with his dog, Princess, on the Skyline Drive trails.

Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Mizuho Payton; son, Ariel Payton; daughter, Lauren Payton McDowell; two brothers, Perry Payton and Brian Payton; sister, Rhonda Metcalfe; and two grandchildren, Samantha and Michael.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Family Radio Preborn Program, P.O. Box 3206, Tupelo, Mississippi 38803.