The Rev. William R. Payton, who served several Diocese of Atlanta parishes during his 42 years as a priest, died April 16 from cancer. He was 67. Since 2003 he had been a priest associate at the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, Atlanta 30305, where services will be this weekend.

The Rev. William R. Payton, who served several Diocese of Atlanta parishes during his 42 years as a priest, died April 16 from cancer. He was 67. Since 2003 he had been a priest associate at the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, Atlanta 30305, where services will be this weekend.

A native of Carrollton, the Rev. Payton had been rector of churches in Georgia, Maryland, Connecticut and Rhode Island. A graduate of the University of Georgia and General Theological Seminary, he was a priest associate at St. Bartholomew's, Atlanta, from 1969-71 and 1983-86 and rector at St. Edward's, Lawrenceville, from 1987-95. He also spent a year as interim rector at Church of the Holy Spirit, Cumming. His passion in ministry was focused on spiritual direction and liturgy.

He is survived by his wife, Joan, and two grown sons, Ramsay and Wyn.   

The body will be received in Mikell Chapel at the Cathedral of St. Philip at 7 p.m. today followed by the Vigil of the Resurrection. The Liturgy for the Burial of the Dead will take place at noon Saturday.  Music will begin at 11:30 a.m.