From Chief Greg Willis
Wetumpka Fire Department
Although we have known for a while this day was coming and we were blessed to have recently had an opportunity to share with Randy how much we loved and appreciated him, today’s news has hit us all harder than we could have ever imagined.
Please keep LaDonna, Ashley, James, Jason, the spouses and the grandkids in your prayers.
Obituary
PAYTON, Randy Eugene, a resident of Wetumpka, Alabama passed away Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at the age of 68.
The family will receive friends, Friday, January 21, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Thelma Baptist Church with Rev. Donny Barber and Dale Moody officiating. Burial will be at Thelma Baptist Church Cemetery with Gassett Funeral Home of Wetumpka directing.
Randy is preceded in death by his father James Arthur Payton; mother Mary Frances Payton; twin sister Kathy Fitzgerald; brother-in-law Al Fitzgerald; sister-in-law Carolyn Payton; and brother-in-law David Bolan. He is survived by his wife of 48 years LaDonna Payton; sons Ashley (Tracy) Payton, James (Megin) Payton, Jason (Lindsey) Payton; siblings Barbara Dougherty, William Payton, Howard Payton, Anita Barber; grandchildren Tanner Payton, Turner Payton, Tyler Payton, Andersyn Payton, Jacob McClellan, Alli McClellan, Thomas Payton, Luke Payton, and Hannah Kate Payton.
Mr. Payton’s passion for community service was demonstrated by his many years with the Wetumpka Fire Department.
He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved his work and did it well. He never met a stranger and enjoyed making new friends.
One of his greatest joys in life was time spent with his children and grandchildren. He leaves a legacy of love, generosity, and family devotions that will help guide his children and grandchildren throughout their lives.
Serving as pallbearers will be Tanner Payton, Jacob McClellan, Turner Payton, Thomas Payton, Tyler Payton, and Luke Payton. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Wetumpka Fire Department.
The family would like to thank Baptist Hospice, Susan Lyles, John Aldridge, Dr. Avery, Dr. Kumar, Wetumpka Fire Department, and many friends that supported us during this time.
