George Samuel Payton

George Samuel Payton was born on February 11, 1932, in Bay Springs, Mississippi. He was the son of Adell and Ora D. Payton. George professed hope in Christ at a young age. On July 23, 1950, George was united in Holy Matrimony to Verdie B. Crosby. To their union were born four children: Mary, Samuel, James and Gloria.

George and Verdie moved to Indianapolis in 1956, where George was a machine operator for Wallace Murry Corporation: Schwitzer Division. He was a member of the Laborers Local 120 Union. The last building he stood a-top was the Chase Bank Tower, Downtown Indianapolis (one of the tallest buildings in Indy). If you asked him which buildings he worked on in Indy Skylines, he replied "All the tall ones".

George was no stranger to work, and he did so tirelessly until his illness. Mr. Payton never retired because he was one of the hardest-working men on earth. His motto was "You can't get nothing done sitting on your butt."

George was a country farmer at heart. He was proof that you can take the man out of the south, but you can't take the south out of the man. He loved cutting grass on his Dixie Chopper, so much so that he gained a weekly clientele to cut grass for others. Annually, he planted a garden stocked with tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, cabbage, peppers, greens, cantaloupe, peas, okra, potatoes, and his prized 22-pound watermelon! He always took pride in his work and great joy in showing off his labor. There was nothing he wouldn't try.

Papa was skilled in cutting down trees, a trade he brought with him from the south. He loved his fireplace and would stock up on wood in the summer months that would last the entire winter. The fireplace would burn 24-7 all winter long.

George had many names including Boot, Dad, Papa, Uncle, Mr. Payton, Mr. P, and Deacon Payton. He was a family man. He loved his family and always made sure they knew so. He never met a stranger and would share his wisdom and knowledge with anyone who would listen.

Following a debilitating stroke, George was comforted by his wife, Verdie, of 74 years, along with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was loved and supported by church members and a host of relatives and friends.

George went on to be with the Lord at the age of 92. He is survived by his wife, Verdie; sons, Samuel, and James (Carolyn); daughter, Gloria (Herbie); 6 grandchildren,6 great-grandchildren, and countless family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Adell and Ora D. Payton; daughter, Mary Joyce Payton, sister Dorothy and three brothers, Robert, LQ, and Darryl.

George Samuel Payton "The GOAT"

Humbly Submitted, The Payton Family