Payton Christian Abbott, 28, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, formerly of Marietta, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020.
He was born in Glendale, West Virginia, on Aug. 6, 1992, and the son of Deborah J. and the late Bradley Jay “Burrhead” Abbott.
Preceding Payton in death was his father, Bradley Abbott, on Oct. 29, 1992; his grandparents, Edward and Hilda Abbott and Paul E. Smith and Sandra Hester Smith; as well as his uncles, Gary Abbott and Paul E. Smith, II.
Payton attended Marietta High School and Myrtle Beach High School, obtaining his GED thereafter. While at Marietta High School, Payton was an active member of the high school’s crew and football teams. Those that knew him well knew him to be a kind soul with a goofy and loving personality. He always had an infectious smile that could light up any room. Payton loved music and was talented in playing guitar and enjoyed singing his heart out.
Through his Judeo-Christian upbringing in the Messianic Jewish Church in Marietta, Payton learned the love and compassion of Christ’s teachings and shared it with all who knew him. When he was only in fifth grade he was so excited with his faith that he regularly led a Bible study with his peers during lunch. Even when he walked in the dark, he still carried the light to many.
While Payton helped many homeless people and addicts, he too suffered from an addiction that began five years ago. With the help of his family and friends, Payton sought rehab to help end his addiction. Unfortunately, his enthusiasm for life and boundless optimism to succeed were not enough to help him become free of his addiction.
If there is one message our family wants to say to those who still have a chance to prevent the heartache we now face, it is this: if you have had any amount of time in sobriety and you are about to relapse, understand that your next dose could be your last. Please reach out to those around you who can give you the love, support, and the care that you need to become free of your addiction.
In addition to his mother, Deborah, Payton is survived by his brothers, Logan (Iliyana) Abbott and Landon Abbott. He is also survived by his uncles, Roger (Jenny) Abbott and Douglas Abbott; aunt, Debbie Abbott; uncle, Mark Smith; and aunt, Melissa Smith Monich; in addition to numerous cousins.
Friends were received until time of funeral service Tuesday Nov. 3, 2020, at the Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, 100 S. Paul St., Woodsfield, with Rev. Steve Smith officiating. Burial followed in Jerusalem Cemetery, Jerusalem.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date for friends and family in Myrtle Beach.
