Payton M. Bailey, Sr.

With profound sadness in our hearts, yet rejoicing in the assurance of eternal life, we announce the passing of Mr. Payton McCoy Bailey, Sr., who peacefully departed this earthly life on June 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Born on May 16, 1956, in Washington, D.C., to the late George Bailey and the late Evelyn V. Holland, Payton was the fifth of seven children in his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Karen V. Bailey, and most recently his brother, Carl Bailey.

From an early age, Payton developed a love for both music and sports. With the encouragement and support of his parents, Payton honed his skills as a percussionist and took drum lessons. Around the early 1970’s, he and several friends formed a neighborhood band and proudly performed a concert in the courtyard of Langley High School. While football was his favorite sport, he was also an avid tennis, baseball and basketball player. His passion for music and athletics remained a cherished part of his life.

Payton matriculated through the Fairfax County school system and graduated from George C. Marshall High School in 1974. During his time at Marshall, he excelled on the football field as a talented running back. While juggling academics and athletics, he met his high school sweetheart and future wife, Vivian Owens.

Following graduation, Payton attended Ferrum Junior College, where he continued pursuing his passion for football and was a member of a National Championship-winning team. His athletic talent earned him a football scholarship to Wichita State University, where he competed at the Division I level. After Wichita State, Payton was presented with the remarkable opportunity to try out for the Edmonton Eskimos Football Team in Canada. Although his journey did not ultimately lead him to remain in Canada as an athlete, the experience attributed to his determination, discipline, and commitment to excellence in all areas of his life.

On July 11, 1981, Payton married the love of his life, Vivian. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership built on faith, devotion, and unwavering love. This union was blessed with three wonderful sons: Payton, Jr., Darren, and Andrew.

In August 1981, Payton began a distinguished career of federal service with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Throughout his thirty-two year tenure, he held numerous positions of increasing responsibility and leadership within the information technology field. His professionalism, integrity, and dedication earned him the respect of colleagues and friends alike. From 1984-1992, Payton and his family were blessed with the opportunity to live abroad, experiencing different cultures and creating lifelong memories while serving overseas.

In 1994, Payton was baptized by Reverend Patrick and joined Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, where his faith deepened and flourished. At Mt. Pleasant, Payton faithfully served in the Usher Ministry for many years. Greeting worshippers with warmth and kindness became one of the highlights of his Sundays. Through his teaching and instruction as reinforced by his actions, Payton trained his sons to revere God, love each other and show everyone respect.

His friendly, jovial, positive, and upbeat spirit touched countless lives. If anyone needed a laugh, a smile, or a word of encouragement, Payton was always ready to provide it. His infectious sense of humor, generous heart, and genuine love for people made him a joy to be around and a blessing to all who knew him.

In 2010, as empty nesters, Payton and Vivian were blessed to welcome another wonderful son, Xavier Holland, into their home. Together, they raised him and created beautiful lifelong memories.

To cherish his memory, Payton leaves behind his devoted wife, Vivian O. Bailey; four sons, Payton M. (Ashley) Bailey, Jr., Darren P. (Ashton) Bailey, Andrew V. Bailey, and Xavier J. Holland; two cherished grandchildren, Jaxson Bailey and Payton Leigh Bailey; his mother-in-law, Gladys Owens; brothers-in-law, Walter F. Owens and Timothy (Holly) Bailey; sister-in-law, Nita M. (Nathaniel) Taylor; siblings, Cynthia B. Newman, George (Jacqui) Bailey, Warren Bailey, and Gail B. Pretty; and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, his Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church family and many devoted friends.

Payton's legacy is one of faith, family, service, and love. He was a devoted husband, loving father, caring brother, faithful church member, respected professional, and loyal friend. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were privileged to know and love him.

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