Harry Vernon “Fuzz” Payton

Harry Vernon “Fuzz” Payton, 82, of Portsmouth, died Friday, February 12, 2021 at Southern Ohio Medical Center. He was born February 19, 1938 in Portsmouth, a son of the late Elizabeth N. (Finley) and Vernon B. Payton.

Fuzz retired as a building maintenance custodian after 30 years with the City of Portsmouth. He attended Harrison Free Will Baptist Church and was a Portsmouth High School graduate. He loved to fish and work on cars, often helping strangers.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Betty Jane Rife Payton. The couple was married December 18, 1965 in Portsmouth. Also surviving are a brother, Roy “Buddy” Eugene (Wanda) Payton of Portsmouth; and many beloved nieces, nephews and their families.

In addition to his parents, Harry was also preceded in death by two brothers, Paul David Payton and William Sperry; and four sisters, Edith Martin, Dorothy Roberts, Judith A. Lang and Opal Green.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Wednesday at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Rev. Dan Widdig officiating and interment in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends Wednesday at the funeral home from 11 A.M. until the funeral hour.

Contributions may be made to any food bank in Harry’s memory.

Online condolences may be shared at RalphFScott.com.