Met Rick in 1974 at Western Ky Univ. We lived in same dorm , and struck up Friendship, He was in Elevator, and had his Nikon, and I had my Cannon, I left WKU, for Army,(out of money), we stayed in touch for a few years, then Army took me elsewhere, Have been trying to find him for 10 years, by google searchs, and one just now came up, and It was all to late, His face had not changed, and I bet his Personality did not either! He had one more Radio Personality he used to practice, driving down road,( Lester Roadhog Moran & the Cadillac Cowboys) I can still hear him doing it!!! Rest In Peace,
DM Cook

RICHARD ALLEN PAYTON               also known as  "Rick"
A man of towering stature, with a heart just as big
He walked into our lives in 1998, seeking employment at our firm
Little did I  know, he would soon be not just my right hand man at work but my best friend and brother that would be invaluable in all parts of my life!
Rick was a beast of a man, both in intellect and size!!!!!
His endless knowledge of life and love for the world, a true prize! 
At 6ft 10in, he stood tall with size 20inch wide Nikes on his feet
And his fluffy 450 lb frame, a reflection of his love for buffet treats!! 
But beyond his physical appearance, Rick was a man of great depth, My Mom loved him as much as we did and told me once that he was the most handsome and sexiest man she ever had the pleasure of talking to... Over the phone!!! 
A free spirit, a fun-loving soul, with a heart that never slept
From boss to friend, from friend to family, our bond grew strong
And his presence in our lives, a melody, a beautiful song..
Rick lived with us, sharing his laughter, his joy, his wisdom &on  occasion, His weed!!! 
His larger-than-life personality, a beacon of light, and smell of some green about every nite!! 
But now he is gone, his absence a void that cannot be filled
And the sadness we feel, a wound that will never be healed
But we take comfort in knowing that Rick left his mark
In our hearts, in our memories, shining bright in the dark
His legacy will live on, in the stories we tell, in the tears we shed, My brother has fell!
For Richard Allen Payton, our dear friend Rick, now rests his head, 
I'll smoke on for you buddy !! 
 till im dead!   420
So here lies a man, a legend in his own right
Whose spirit soars high, like a kite in flight
In the arms of the angels, he finds peace at last
Our dear friend Rick, in our hearts, forever shall he last.
​Rest in peace, Rick. You will always be missed. See you 
Soon brother! 
In  heavens mist!
BY:Roger B.

I first worked with Rick back in the 80's at WKDQ. Then I worked with him in the 2000s at WIKY. A great guy and fun to work with. He had a wonderful voice and a great sense of humor. He always brightened my day. I will miss his voice on radio.

Rick was a lovely man. A great co-worker. I'm sorry for his loss.

I met Rick a few years ago, but really got to know him in the past 2 years at my job. Like everyone else in the Tri-state, I’ve known his voice for the past 20 years and will miss hearing it everyday.  Rick was always so interesting to talk to, from his many funny anecdotes about being from western Kentucky, to all of his neat stories of working in radio all over the Midwest in the 70s and 80s up until about 2 years ago. He kept up with music news and sports as much as he could and adored his colleagues in radio from over the years. He always had a kind word to say and loved to talk about his beloved Roxanne and his darling Rachel. He always asked about me and my family, especially my husband Dave (they have worked together many  times over the years at the radio station), even when he was feeling poorly that day, and on his good days his eyes would light up with enthusiasm and determination to get moving.
Rick, I know you’re at peace and reunited with Roxanne and Rachel, but our ears will sure miss your booming voice over the airwaves. Rest in Peace, friend!

A man that had the perfect I do mean perfect radio voice I know him as Steven Kelly he did a world-class job of being a DJ and delivering the news and rock and roll related events this voice will dearly be missed in the airwaves gone way too soon never to be forgot my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends myself being one of those rest in peace my friend you've more than earned it, you keep everybody in line walking that Stairway to Heaven

Richard 'Steven Kelly' Payton was a light in an often too-dim world. A walking fount of knowledge, especially about classic films, and music, regardless of era or genre, he was a master storyteller. His laughter was infectious and could brighten even the cloudiest of days. Rick had the natural gift of making everyone he met feel a little lighter. Like many who had the honor of calling him a friend, my heart is deeply saddened by his passing, but there is solace in knowing he has been reunited with his beloved Roxanne and his daughter, Rachel. 

Rest well, my sweet friend. 

OBITUARY

Rick Allen Payton

September 13, 1956 – April 6, 2023

Alexander Funeral Home-West Chapel

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