Mr. William Mack Payton Obituary in Dillon at Bartell Funeral Home, LLC.

Obituary For Mr. William Mack Payton

Mr. William Payton passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at his home. The family will be receiving friends at 1925 Smitty Road, Dillon, SC 29536.

Mr. Payton also served in the Air Force.

Public Viewing for Mr. Payton will be Friday, May 17th, 2024, from 1:00 PM-5:00 PM at Bartell Funeral Home, Riverdale Chapel, located at 2511 Highway 9 East, Dillon, SC 29536.

The wake service for Mr. Payton will be today, May 17, 2024, from 5:00PM-6:00PM, at Bartell Funeral Home, Riverdale Chapel, located at 2511 Highway 9 East, Dillon, SC 29536.

Funeral Service for Mr. Payton will be Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Bartell Funeral Home, Riverdale Chapel, located at 2511 Highway 9 East, Dillon, SC 29536. Burial will follow in the Rest Haven Cemetery.

William Mack Payton

William M. Payton, the seventh of nine children of the late Rev. Leroy R. & Mrs. Sarah M. Payton, was born January 24, 1944, in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He was called home to be with the Lord on May 5, 2024. William, (affectionately known as Billy), attended the Orangeburg County Public Schools and was a graduate of Wilkinson High School, class of 1962. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Claflin College (now University) and completed further studies at the University of South Carolina. He was also a veteran having served four years in the United States Air Force.

He began his professional career as a music teacher in Wagner, South Carolina and later moved to Dillon, South Carolina where he served faithfully as a music teacher for over 30 years in the Dillon County Public Schools. Additionally, he served as musician and Deacon for the Manning Baptist church where he was also a long-time member and as musician for several other churches in and around Dillon. It was in Dillon where he met and married the love of his life, Sally Rembert of Birmingham, Alabama who preceded him in death. This union produced two children, William Ralph and James Rembert. He was a devoted and loving husband and father and a long-time resident of the Riverdale Community in Dillon. He served also on the Dillon County Zoning Commission.

He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; Inc., having been initiated as an undergraduate in 1965.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by three brothers, Rev. Leroy O. Payton, Dr. Benjamin F. Payton and C/Msgt James I. Payton.

He leaves to cherish his memory two children, William Ralph(Tracye)Payton,(Dillon, SC) and James Rembert Payton (Washington, DC); one grandson, Jamal Payton (Dillon, SC); two brothers, Dr. Cecil W. (Cinderitha) Payton, (Baltimore, Maryland); Bernard S.(Carol) Payton, (Ft. Washington, Maryland); three sisters, Mary P. Padgett, (Tampa, Florida), Annette P. Thorpe, (Baltimore, Maryland), Gail P. (Dr. Dean) Floyd, (Columbia, South Carolina); two sisters-in-law, Dr. Margaret B. Payton (Alexandria, Virginia), Janet T. Payton, (Alamogordo, New Mexico); and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and many devoted friends and colleagues.

Photos & Video

Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

Wendell Brown sent Exquisite Tribute Standing Spray for Mr. William Mack Payton - May 09, 2024

Line brothers of James Payton (19DEEP) sending our deepest condolences to the family of William Payton.
It is because of brothers like him advocating for our communities. Fraternally,

Send flowers for Mr. William Mack Payton

Loving words from Mrs. Ilee Inman to the family of Mr. William Payton. This message was shared at the funeral service for Mr. Payton on Saturday, May 18th.
To the family of the Late Mr. William Payton The family asked me to give remarks about my dear friend, Mr. Payton. I was so close to him, and I am not a public speaker, so I sat down, gathered my thoughts, and jotted down a few memories about Mr. Payton. He was just like my family, and I hate that I cannot speak over him today. These words come from my heart. As I was reading the "Upper Room", my morning devotion book last week on May 12th and it really told something. It said, "Truly I tell you unless you become like a child you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" and I do believe Mr. Payton is in heaven today because he was like a child to me. I found him to be as humble as a child to me. Anything he could do for me, he did it. I got to know him and Mrs. Payton in 1975. Anything the two of them could do for me they did it. Often, I would cook a special dish for them. I could call them and ask for a favor, and I could rest assured it would be done. Later when Mrs. Payton passed on, he continued to run errands for me. I could call and ask if he was going out to stop by, he never said no, or I do not have time. He could shop like I shopped. He would always bring back my change and receipt. I made sure he and Lamar had food ever since 2009. I told Mr. Payton as long as I ate, he and Lamar would eat. He is a person I am going to miss. I thank God for what he did for me. Whatever I asked he never said no.
Ralph, James, Jamal, Gail, Cecil, Bernard, Mary, Annette, and Gail remember God will take care of you all. Just trust in him. Thanks to you all for the love you have shown me.
Ilee McRae Inman Dillon, SC

As a middle school student (attending J.V. Martin), I was introduced to singing in sections (SATB) which prepared me for high school and collegiate choral performances. As I think back, about 38 years ago, the classes were out for recess (on the large fenced field) and Mr. Payton asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I answered that I wanted to be a professional singer. He replied and asked me to think of something more realistic. I was stunned. He continued, just in case that doesn't work out. Well, the professional singer piece didn't happen but, his influence aspired me to become a certified music educator. Now, almost 30 in Education, his influence spans generations! Thank you, Mr. Payton!!!
Keisha McCoy-Wilson, Ph.D.

This is a tough one. Mr.Payton was the BEST music teacher. He always made sure we were in tune. His kind and gentle spirit will truly be missed. Rest In Peace kind Sir. Your legacy of musical excellence will live on in each and every one of us. Monica Paige Brewer

What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us. Wishing you loving memories to warm your heart, today and always
Dillon High School Class of 1987

Mr. Payton was a great music teacher and he was always kind and always wearing a smile. May God grant his family peace and comfort during this time of distress-- 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 -- Latrae Campbell Woodberry

Wow, sharing my condolences to the little man with a big heart, well I'm little too, rest on music giant, until your presence will be known in the heavenly choir! I'm Ronald White living in the Philippines!

Mr. Payton was a great Youth Choir Director at Manning Baptist Church. He was a gentle spirit and an upright person. He demonstrated great patience during rehearsal times. I'm praying for your family. Sandra Harley, Charlotte, NC

May the numerous sweet memories strengthen Mr. Payton's family. While at JVMartin, he taught us more than music & vocals & the lesson plans. He taught us how to ENJOY(drop your chin) vocals and the piano. Jokingly, we'd quiz him about his age! Now, all of his students know that Mr. Payton was VERY young back in 1980! With precious memories, Lillie Vanderhall-Fore C/O '84

My condolences to the family of Mr. Payton,a wonderful man, he was my music teacher at J.V.martin and music director at Manning Baptist church. Keeping you in prayer and remember to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. God bless you all Deacon Lonnie Canery(Jersey city)

Mr. Payton was my music teacher and JV Martin always very nice and kind he will be truly missed! Rev.Hannah Brown

such a sweet man , he was a great music teacher. my condolences to the family.

Sending lots of love may God comfort you and your family mr. Payton and Sally were neighbors for many years very nice people may God lift you up in a time like this John @ mary leach

May God grant you peace and comfort as you grieve the transition of Mr. Payton. I shall remember your family in prayer. Magnolia T. Williams

To Ralph, James,Jamal and all of the other family members. Our prayers are with you all during this time. Friends and family for a lifetime. Mr. Payton will always be remembered. The Sowells Family

To the Payton family, we send prayers for peace, comfort and healing in the many days ahead. Mr Payton was my music teacher at J.V Martin, what seems to be a lifetime ago, he was someone who'd always be remembered, especially when he'd flash that mystical smile, he will never be forgotten, may God continue to hold and keep you all, Shirl Bethea Roberts and children

This is so sad to me. I love this little music teacher. My favorite music teacher. He had a great sweet spirit. He started the Martinettes chorus. May God Keep and strengthen the family. We love you, Mr. Payton
from: Bishop Freeman Mcleod and Bright Light Church Family

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Bartell Funeral Home, LLC. | Dillon, SC