Jimmy Lewis Payton

Jimmy was born on December 6, 1946, in Shreveport, LA. He was the youngest of five children born to Louis and Viola Pye. Jimmy grew up in Third Ward, Texas and graduated from Jack Yates High School. He was a student at Texas Southern University when he met and married the love of his life, Shirley. Soon after, he was called to duty and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Germany, serving as a postal attendant, ensuring the troops received their mail from loved ones.

After service to his country, Jimmy went back to college and completed his degree in Journalism while also working at the post office. Jimmy switched careers and became a real estate agent before starting a successful real estate company, “Payton/Valentine Properties”. He then became a real estate broker and transitioned into real estate appraisal. Soon another successful company, “Centex Appraisal Company” was then created by Jimmy. He incorporated his wife and partner Shirley in both companies, working together as a dynamic duo until his home going. Jimmy earned the highest designation in appraisal as a Master Appraiser and earned membership in the National Association of Master Appraisers.

Jimmy Lewis Payton was a comedian, a loving husband, a father and mentor to his sons, and a hardworking man who will be missed forever.

Jimmy is preceded in home going by his mother, Viola Pye; Father, Louis Payton; siblings, Ruth, Hazel, and Charles.

He is survived, and will be missed, by his wife of 57years, Shirley; Sons Jimmy Jr. and Damon; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister; and a host of nieces, nephews, daughter-in-laws, other family, and friends.