Franklin “Leon” Payton

Franklin “Leon” Payton, a man of unshakable principles, quiet strength, and deep devotion to his family, his faith, and his country, passed away suddenly on July 28, 2025, at the age of 57.

A proud man of Cherokee Heritage, Leon was born in the red-dirt heartland of the Oklahoma Sooners and raised on a dairy farm. He was shaped by early mornings, hard labor, and a deeply rooted sense of discipline.

Leon served more than 20 years in the U.S. Army, including many as a Ranger of the 75th Ranger Regiment. A proud soldier, respected at every rank. He was deployed to Somalia, Haiti, and Iraq, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for valor. He was the man you wanted beside you when things went wrong, and the man who never took credit when they went right.

After retiring from the military, Leon found new purpose in real estate, working side by side with his wife. For Leon, it was never about the title. It was simply another way to serve. It was an extension of the servant’s heart that had always driven him. He gave without pause and acted without being asked. If something needed fixing, he was there. Always. People say that about good men, but in his case, it was truer than most. He served everyone around him with relentless devotion. If he loved you, he made sure you never went without.

He was a man of God. A man of family. A man whose love language was action.

Leon is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sherry; his children, Taran (Ethan) Cooper, Autumn (Nick) Lobach, Shanea Payton, Erin Wood, and JD Payton; his grandchildren, Ryleigh, Joleigh, Pacey, Delaney, Henry, Hattie, Wynnie, and Luxen; his mother, Wanda (Byron) Gibson; and his brothers, Curtis, Ron, and Jason. He also leaves behind a wide circle of extended family, fellow soldiers, clients, and friends whose lives were steadied by his presence. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank.

The world never had to ask Leon to serve. He served because it was who he was. Though his hands are now still, the work of his life continues, shining through in countless moments, memories, and the people he lifted up and encouraged along the way.

Funeral services with full military honors will be held on Sunday, August 3rd at 3:00 p.m. at Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home in Flemington.
Interment will take place at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville on Monday, August 4th at 3:00 p.m.

Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.

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