Charles Antwoine Payton, beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend, entered into eternal rest on January 31, 2025. He was born on November 28, 1978, to Charles and Earnestine Payton in Valdosta, Georgia.

Charles accepted Christ and became a devoted member of Payton AME Church, where his faith and steadfast commitment to his spiritual community were an integral part of his life's journey.

Charles distinguished himself as a Rhodes Scholar and an honor graduate of Valdosta High School, Class of 1997, where his passion for baseball and football shone brightly on the field. He was coached in his early years by his father and Chuck Steele. His love for the sport remained a constant source of joy throughout his life.

Following his academic success at Valdosta High, he pursued higher education at Georgia Southern University, Georgia Tech University and Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to personal growth and academic achievement.

Charles was welcomed into heaven by those who went before him: his grandparents, Badger James and Rebecca Payton, Marie Bauknight Bailey, and Alvin Bauknight; his uncle, Alvin Payton Sr.; his aunts, Pauline Payton, Argie Brown, Teresa Payton, Sarah Payton, and Alean Payton; and his godfather, Willie Hubbard.

To forever treasure his beautiful memory are his loving and devoted parents, Charles and Earnestine Payton; his sisters, Rhonda Smith and her husband Terence "Webster" Smith and Carla Payton (his twin) one brother Cedric Bauknight and wife Carla Bauknight; his cherished nephew Michael Wright II; and beloved nieces Micayla and Mikenah Wright; great-nieces Avana and Favour Wright. He is also survived by his uncles, Will Payton, Badger James Payton Jr. (Geraldine), Squire Payton (Karen), John Culbreth(Elaine), Jimmy Bauknight, and Charles Bauknight (Barbara); his aunts Barbara Walsh (Lloyd), Ruth Payton, Sherri Ann Murphy (Walter), Gloria Jean Jones, and Glenda Bauknight. He was blessed with other parents Sam and Queen Robinson, Godmothers Gloria Hubbard and Sherri Ann Murphy, Godbrother James P. Robinson (JP), special aunt Eddie Mae Wiggs, and special caregiver Alma Harris. Special friends Christopher Daniels “Kip” and Marcus Pride.

Charles's infectious humor, warm presence, and genuine spirit touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life for Mr. Charles Antwoine Payton will be held on Saturday, February 8 at 11:00 A. M. at Payton A. M. E. Church. Rev. Timothy White is the pastor, and Rev. Charles P. Bauknight will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery