Mr. Freddie Lee Payton

April 7, 1939 - May 10, 2021

Freddie Lee Payton, “Ted”, 82, of Peoria, IL departed this life on May 10, 2021 at his residence amongst loving family. Freddie was born on April 7, 1939 in Lyon, MS to Ernest and Carrie (Baker) Payton. Freddie was baptized at 12 years old at Turner Chapel Baptist in Mississippi. He then moved to Peoria and became a faithful member of New Morning Star Baptist Church. He married the love of his life Rosie Curtis on January 21, 2002, she survives. Freddie was a diligent worker at Bear Recycling Company where he retired after 50 years of dedication. In his spare time, he loved to work on cars, watching westerns on television, telling stories about how he grew up as a young boy, and being a handy man. Freddie had a special talent playing the harmonica. He was genuinely loved and left a wonderful legacy. Freddie leaves to cherish his precious memory: his loving wife: Rosie Curtis; seven sons: James (Carol) Childs of Urbana, IL, Fred Curtis of Ohio, Freddie Payton Jr., Terry Payton, Leroy Payton, and James Payton all of Peoria; five daughters: Ileen Shorter -Childs of Little Rock, Ark, Lena Payton, Carrie Anderson, both of Peoria, Gloria Brown of Texas and, Georgia Payton of Peoria; four brothers: Andrew Payton, Eli (Anna Mae) Payton, Benny Lee (Charlotte A.) Payton, and Julius (Dollie Mae) Payton all of Peoria; five sisters: Ruthie Mae ( William) Billups, Bobbie Jean Payton, Linda Calhoun, Ludell Redmon, and Alice Mae (Percy) Lewis all of Peoria; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom will miss him dearly. Freddie was preceded in death by one son: Roosevelt Payton; three brothers: Ernest Lee Payton, Ernest Roosevelt Payton, and John Payton; two sisters: Mary Payton and Anna Lee Byrd. A Celebration of life service will be held Friday, May 14, 2021 at New Morning Star Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. with visitation commencing one-hour prior. Pastor Cleveland Thomas will officiate. Due to COVID-19 mandates social distancing and masks are required. Freddie will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery.