Grafton S. Payne

Grafton Samuel Payne II was born April 1, 1931 in Charlottesville, Virginia to Grafton S. Payne Sr. and Stella Wragg-Roberts Payne. He departed this earthly life on Friday, December 6, 2019.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Bernice; parents Grafton and Stella; stepfather John G. Tonsler; brother Beauregard and son-in-law Henry Essick II.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his daughter Deborah (Henry, deceased) Essick; brother Garvin (Marcia) Tonsler; sisters Fredina Johnson and Felecia Rowe; Gabrielle Tonsler; niece, Atlanta Ga.; John Tonsler, nephew, Atlanta, GA; Beverly Pitman, niece, Dayton, OH; and Norkeita Howard (Marlon Howard) Niece, Union, OH,  and a host of other Beloved Relatives and friends.

Grafton was a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC and Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. He was a proud U.S. veteran having served in the Army. A devoted member of Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Payne was an avid golfer. His employment history included working as a postal carrier, a probation officer, then being promoted to Director of Adult Probation for Montgomery County, also as Acting Court Administrator.  He served the community in various capacities by participating with numerous boards including the Veteran’s Board, Sinclair Community College, RTA, Montgomery County Sherriff Office. The Montgomery County Adult Probation Department received their first national accreditation under the Directorship of Mr. Payne. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

 Memorial contributions may be made to The Dayton Foundation, Grafton S. and Bernice Payne Charitable Fund #1441.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.