Obituary of Oliver R Payton

Life is the beginning of a journey… Oliver Ronald Payton was born May 19, 1940, in Camden, New Jersey, to the late Hannah Mae and Richard Payton, Sr. Oliver was affectionately known as “Ronnie” by his family and friends. Ronnie the youngest of eight siblings often spoke about his Sister Etta being his babysitter and the frolics that he and his brothers got into growing up in North Camden. Ronnie was educated in the Camden Public School System where he attended Powell School and Burrough Junior High School. Ronnie attended Woodrow Wilson High School and was one of the first Black football players allowed to play on the team during those times. Many have said that Ronnie had great athletic abilities as a running back. Another Road to Travel… Ronnie joined the United States Air Force sometime after high school and was stationed in Thule, Greenland, where he worked in an office on base and developed his business acumen. He often told stories about how cold it was in Greenland. After leaving the military, Ronnie continued his education and graduated from Rutgers University-Camden. Ronnie worked for some years at RCA with his brother Richard and then for several non-profit organizations utilizing his acquired accounting skills. As destiny would have it, Ronnie decided to venture out on his own, and he developed O. R. Payton Tax Preparer Service. Ronnie had a lucrative business and he employed both family and friends. For many years, Ronnie enjoyed servicing his neighbors, family, friends, and clients coming near and far for his services. Ronnie loved finance. He studied and keep up with the current financial events happening around the world. Ronnie loved telling stories about his family life growing up. He loved good food and could cook up a meal. He especially loved jazz music. One could find him sitting back listening to John Coltrane, Etta James, Nina Simone and Sarah Vaugh to name a few. Ronnie was the kind of person who did not put up with shenanigan, if you really knew him, you approached him with sincerity and honesty. Ronnie was a giving and helpful person. He gave unselfishly and most times anonymously to the community and to fund raisers involving his Alma Maters. Destiny fulfilled! Ronnie was preceded in death by his Brothers Robert, Clarence, Alvin and Freddy. He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memory his Sister, Etta Jones; his Brothers, Richard (Margaret) and Charles (Grace); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. … “A love Supreme”.