Mr. Darris D. Payton

Mr. Darris DeWayne Payton went to be with the Lord, Friday, October 10, 2008 at Metro Health Hospital, in Byron Center, MI. He was born December 29, 1960 in Flint, MI, the son of William and Patricia (Payton) Simmons. He attended Flint Community Schools graduating from Flint Central High School, in 1979. He was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in Football, Basketball and Baseball. He earned a Business Administration Degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1984 and was employed by the State of Michigan as a Business Facility Manager for the Dept. of Corrections. He was employed over 22 years with the State of Michigan. Darris received Christ as his personal Savior, February 22, 1970 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, in Pontiac, MI. He was a dedicated member of Christian Life Center and devoted his life to living by the Word of God. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed traveling to play in various Gus Macker Basketball tournaments, where he won several trophies. He also enjoyed playing "Fantasy Football". Darris was joined in holy matrimony on August 9, 1997 to Melva McNeal and to this union two children were born. He was devoted to his family and he spent a lot of his time attending the various activities his children were involved in, such as soccer, basketball and recitals. Darris was known for his sense of humor. One of his many attributes was his ability to make people laugh. He was a lot of fun to be around. His wealth of knowledge was astonishing. If anyone could not remember events or facts; without hesitation he knew and was always correct! He will be truly missed by his family and friends. Darris was preceded in death by his father ,William J. Payton. To cherish his memory, Darris leaves his wife, Melva; daughter, Cydni; son, Spencer; parents , Patricia and Dr. Robert Simmons, of Flint; mother-in-law, Bertha Barbee McNeal, of Kalamazoo; father-in-law, Earl (Renea) McNeal, of Kalamazoo; two brothers, William (Cheryl), of Mt. Morris and Robby (Christal) Simmons, of Flint; two sisters, Cynthia, of Grand Blanc and Tricia Simmons, of Birmingham; brother-in-laws, Ricky Evans, of Grand Rapids; Martin ("Marty") McNeal, of Indiana and Corey McNeal of Kalamazoo; one sister-in-law, Jaynita Wise, of Illinois; nieces, Michele, Christianna and Robbi; nephews, Philip, Aaron, Andrew and Kahari and a host of other nieces and nephews; specials friends, Mark Gragg of Grand Blanc, Stuart Boswell, Rick Floyd, both of Detroit, Brad Purves and Denise Trierweiler from the State of Michigan Corrections Facility in Ionia, the Fantasy Football League in Lansing and his Christian Men's Breakfast Group in Flint. He also leaves many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends to cherish his memory.

Mr. Darris D. Payton

December 29, 1960 - October 10, 2008