Joshua Wayne Payton, 27, of Newnan, died on Thursday, October 12, 2023, in Smyrna, Georgia.

Born July 7, 1996, in Newnan, he was a son of Mark Anthoney Payton, and Sheila Marie Watson. Josh was a beacon of joy and laughter to all who knew him. Josh was a dedicated professional, working as a surveyor at McClung Surveying. His love for his job was evident in his commitment to his work and the enthusiasm he brought to the team. His colleagues will remember him as a friendly face, always ready with a joke to lighten the mood. His jovial nature and infectious laughter made him a great coworker. Outside of work, Josh was an avid skateboarder. He often spent his free time skateboarding with his twin brother, Tony. Their shared passion for the sport strengthened their bond and created countless memories. Josh's love for life was palpable in his every action, from his dedication to his work to his playful antics on the skateboard. Josh will be remembered for his loving nature, his humor, and his unwavering friendship. His memory will live on in the laughter he shared and the lives he touched. Josh was preceded in death by his uncle, Tim Payton, his grandfather, Captain Tommy Payton, and his great-grandparents, Curtis & Gertrude Alexander.

Survivors include his parents, Mark Payton (Mandy), and Sheila Watson (Frankie); his twin brother, Tony Payton (Pamela); sister, Kayla Driver; grandparents, Dianne Payton, and Gerry Watson (Kathy); uncles and aunts, Shane Payton (Jennifer), Lee Payton (Tabitha); Wayne Bloodworth, Dorothy Sullivan (James); his girlfriend, Holly Williams; and numerous cousins and other relatives.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2023, at Hillcrest Chapel with Pastor Tony Grant, and Pastor T. J. Boyd officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 12:00 noon until the hour of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to American Cancer Society, in honor and memory of his grandfathers, or to a fund set up to assist the family at GoFundMe that has been established to assist the family.

Higgins Funeral Home Hillcrest Chapel is honored to serve the family of Josh Payton, please visit www.hillcrestchapelcares.com to share your memories or leave a condolence message.