William Luke Mayton

Luke was devoted to his family and friends. He was known for his kindness and empathy, and he accepted everyone he encountered as they were, without judgement. Somehow, people sensed these qualities in Luke and opened up to him, sharing freely their thoughts, doubts, and dreams.

Luke brought fun wherever he went. He will be remembered for his ready smile, infectious laughter and his sometimes dark, sometimes bright but always quirky and spot-on humor. His frequent spontaneous little dance moves always made us laugh. That easy joy he brought to our lives will be greatly missed.

Luke earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Belmont University in Nashville. He graduated with high honors, majoring in both Economics and Sociology. He then headed to New York City where he worked for several years as an Education Specialist and Outreach Director for NYC’s Community Access Blueprint Supported Education program. In these roles, he helped a variety of people in need to access government and community-based services and also helped individuals with mental health diagnoses to achieve success in post-secondary education. He completed training for these positions at Rutgers University. While in New York, he also undertook specialized, voluntary chaplaincy training and in his free time, volunteered as a Chaplain Intern at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan.

Luke returned to Atlanta a few years ago and worked most recently as an Employment Recruiter in the Buckhead area. He loved this work because of his wonderful boss and because it allowed him to connect with a diverse group of people, helping to place them into much needed employment.

Luke is survived by his loving mother, Kathleen M. Mayton of Atlanta. Kathleen is retired following many years of employment as Vice President and General Counsel at Rollins Inc. Luke lost his father, William T. (Bill) Mayton in 2019. Bill was a distinguished scholar and Professor of Law at Emory University Law School. In addition to his mother, Luke is survived by three siblings and their spouses and two beautiful nieces: Leigh Anne Kao and Major Tim Y. Kao, USMC, Ret. of Annandale, VA and their daughters Emily and Charlotte Kao; Wesley T. Mayton and Holly E. Mayton of Augusta, GA; and Elizabeth J. Mayton and Jose A. Gross of Atlanta, GA. Luke is also survived by many close and loving uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Luke was blessed with a quick, bright mind and had a wide variety of interests. He was a devoted Liverpool soccer fan. He was a naturally gifted piano player and loved chess, tennis, and bicycling. He was a life-long student of history, philosophy, and world religions. For several years he undertook a serious study of Buddhist life practice, both in Los Angeles and New York City.

Ultimately, while maintaining a deep respect for a variety of religious beliefs and practices, Luke decided to return to the Roman Catholic faith into which he was born. In 2020, he was confirmed in the Catholic Church.

To honor Luke, there will most definitely be a funeral mass at his parish church, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Atlanta. His family will also host a separate reception and gathering for his family and friends. However, because of the current Covid situation, his family has decided to postpone these events until it is safe for loved ones to travel and gather together. So please bear with us. When the dates of services for Luke are determined, they will be posted/updated here.

To those of you who loved Luke, please keep his spirit in your hearts.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hmpattersonOglethorpe.com for the Mayton family.