Michael Kenneth Gayton

“When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll,

whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.” 

The Gayton Family officially announces,

the Obsequies for

Mr. Michael Kenneth Gayton

With tremendous sorrow, we bow to the will of our Heavenly Father as we humbly announced the unforeseen, yet triumphant journey of our beloved treasured soul.

In the timeless echoes of eternity, amidst the whispers of the celestial realm, the immortal words of Jesus resound, “Jesus said unto him, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me though he were dead, yet shall he live and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die, believest thou this."

On Thursday October 23, 2025, the angel of silence came, and the celestial clock chimed, the mortal shall transcend the boundaries of morality, embracing the realm of the immortal.

Mr. Michael Kenneth Gayton, legacy is etched in the tapestry of our hearts, may the grace of God, which glowed abundantly through him, be a balm to our spirits in this time of mourning.

Michael Kenneth Gayton "Mike" Obituary

Michael Kenneth Gayton, affectionately known as “Mike,” was born on July 31, 1953, in Newark, New Jersey, to the late Velma Gayton and Louis Barkley. He departed this life into eternal rest at the age of 72 while living in Dublin, Georgia.

He was educated in the Newark Public School System, attending West Kinney Jr. High and graduating from West Side High School. At the age of 22, Michael proudly enlisted in the United States Army. After completing his basic training at Fort Dix in New Jersey, he served as a Private First Class and worked as a mechanic. His military journey took him overseas to Germany, where he served his country with honor. Upon completing four years of dedicated service with pride, he was later honorably discharged and returned home to New Jersey. Mike went on to work as a Maintenance Engineer Supervisor, ensuring the buildings he oversaw were always well cared for—a role in which he was respected for his leadership, dedication, and strong work ethic.

Michael met the love of his life, Patricia, with whom he built a beautiful family. Together they raised their daughter Tekeya and their son, the late Michael S. Gayton. Family was the center of his world, and he cherished every moment with them. He was also an avid card player, finding joy in gathering with many of those same loved ones to play pinochle, spades, and bid whist. Despite years of health challenges, Michael was known to many as the “life of the party.” He remained joyful and full of humor. If you needed a laugh, Michael was the one you could always depend on. His warmth, quick wit, and captivating storytelling drew people to him effortlessly. He loved to cook and was especially known for his famous peach cobbler—always made with love and shared generously. A devoted New York Jets fan, he kept his team spirit alive no matter the season.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Velma Gayton and Louis Barkley; his son, Michael S. Gayton; his siblings Mack Arthur Gayton, Kathleen McClean, and June Gayton-Shark. Michael leaves to celebrate his memory: his devoted wife Patricia; his loving daughter Tekeya; his cherished granddaughter Josiah; his brother Darryl Gayton and sister-in-law Rosalind; sisters Patricia Thomas and Betty Thomas; his dear Aunt Doris Liggans; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will forever hold him close in their hearts. Michael’s life was a testament to resilience, joy, and love. He touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of laughter and a reminder to us all to find joy every day. May he rest in peace.

TIL THE TRUMPET SOUNDS,

We, the Bynes-Royall Funeral Home family and staff along with the Gayton Family request your fervent prayers.

His beloved family would like to thank everyone for the various acts of kindness extended to them. 

"FOR ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST………AND TO DIE IS GAIN”

Memorial Service

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

11:00AM - 12:00PM ~Perry Funeral Home 34 Mercer Street, Newark, NJ 07103

Final Resting Place

Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery

350 Province Line Road Wrightstown, NJ 08562

It is with prayers and grace that Bynes-Royall Funeral Home will assist the Gayton Family with the celebratory arrangements along with

Perry Funeral Home 34 Mercer Street, Newark, New Jersey 07103

Phone: (973) 824-9201 ~ Toll-Free: 1 (800) 824-9229 ~ Fax: (973) 504-9610

Final care and service of compassion are being provided to the Gayton Family, with Grace, Love, and Dignity by:

Historic Bynes-Royall Funeral Home Family and Staff

204 West Hall Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

Tel: 912-233-2175 ~ Fax: 912-234-9343

Mr. Edward D. Musgrow - Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer

Owned and Operated by the Bynes Family

“A Ministry of Love, Comfort and Prayer”

PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD, IS THE DEATH OF HIS SAINTS. PSALM 116

"Where service is our TRADEMARK"

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