Payton McMullen

PAYTON MACMULLEN SR.
Sunrise August 14, 1942 — Sunset April 08, 2021

Payton McMullen Sr. was born on a farm to Joseph Sr. and Bettie McMullen on August 14, 1941 in Greenwood Mississippi. He was the third child of 15 children. From his youth, he has always had a strong sense of familial responsibility and caring for others in need.

He moved from Mississippi to Chicago, IL. where He met the love of his life, Annie. They were together for more than 30 years, until she preceded him in death in 2002. Payton kneeled down beside his bed, bowed his head, hugged his son who bears his name, got up and sat on the side of his bed to breathe his last breath. In that moment, God brought Payton home to heaven on April 8, 2021 where he joined his wife, his parents, several of his siblings and a host of other friends and family members.

Payton was a life-long learner and loved to teach others, especially men who were willing to listen to his colorful stories that shared his rich history and wealth of knowledge. By vocation, he was an expert licensed carpenter and contractor who loved building things. His expert handiwork is evident in the homes of many family members, friends and clients. Payton was a hard worker who had an entrepreneurial spirit and always had a “side job". He was retired from his last job at the San Diego Housing Commission.

He survived his tour of duty in the Republic of Vietnam and was a proud decorated veteran who earned several commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal with Device 1960, and Sharpshooter (M-14 Rifle). He was also trained to drive light and heavy duty vehicles while in the military.

Payton is survived by his children Cheryl McCaskill, Rev. Debra Cole, Rev. Jonathan McCaskill, Deacon Chris McCaskill Sr. (Deborah), Payton McMullen Jr. (LaQuita), Raymond Carter (Pamela), Charles Jackson, and Johnnie B. Moore, his grandchildren include James A. Johnson, Craig McCaskill Sr, (Kathy), Azuree McCaskill, Jasmine McCaskill, Ronald S. Floyd, Shanelle McCaskill, Jordan McCaskill, ClaireAnne McCaskill, Jovani McCaskill, LaTasha Morris, Chris McCaskill Jr, Raymond Carter Jr, Antonio Carter, Khyia Jones, Naomi Carter, Jeremy Carter, Ashley Carter, Corrin Carter, Samantha Carter, over 40 great-grandchildren, his siblings Alice, Mary, Emma, Barbara Ann, Rev. Charles, Phillip (Jacklyn), Henry, Wayne (Deann), Harrison, many nieces and nephews, as well as his “adopted son” Marcus Smith who helped him complete his last building project four days before his death

He was a great man, a loving father father and big brother, a true friend with a generous heart, a fantastic cook who will be greatly missed by all who are left to mourn his passing.