Mr. Anthony "Tony" Thomas Payton, age 61, of Buchanan passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2012. Mr. Payton was born in Haralson County on July 24, 1949. He was the son of the late James Otis Payton and the late Louise Kiser Payton. Mr. Payton was a retired school teacher.

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Michael Harris of Buchanan; one son, Phillip Anthony Payton of Buchanan; one sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Nick Cox of Buchanan; seven grandchildren, Caleb Bryan Payton, Evan Lee Harris, Skylar Phillip Payton, Lexi Amanda Payton, Emily Lynn Harris, Anna Christine Harris and Matthew Beck Harris; and a number of other relatives.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. from the Graveside at Tallapoosa-East Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Ronnie Holmes officiating. Music will be rendered by Rev. W.A. Ivie. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Michael Harris, Phillip Payton, B.L. Bentley, Mark Newman, Michael Garner and James Phillips. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be: Danny McDowell, John Crossley, Andrew Crossley and Ray Crossley.

The family will receive friends at the family residence beginning Friday, March 16, 2012 beginning at 4:00 P.M. The residence is located at: 575 Five Points Road, Buchanan, GA 30113.

Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Buchanan is in charge of the arrangements.