Mr. Benny Ishmeal “Ishmo” Gayton, 73, of Adairsville, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2017 at Mt. Berry Hospice in Rome. A native of Bartow County, he was born January 22, 1944, the son of the late Silas Gayton and Mary Willis Leviner.

Mr. Gayton attended Gospel Temple Church. He was a people person with a great sense of humor. He loved working in convenience stores. His customers were his family. He was an amazing baseball coach for over 20 years. He loved his players like his own kids and kept up with them through the years. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Jacobs Gayton; a son, Phillip Gayton; and 2 brothers, Burlin and Donnie Gayton.

He is survived by his children, Beth Grier of Adairsville, Wendy Harris (Gary) of Adairsville, Johnny Gayton (Christy) of Carterville and Benny Dewayne Gayton of Adairsville; 15 grandchildren; several great—grandchildren; his siblings, Betty Patterson, Sue Ingle, Bertie Harden, Debbie Baynard, Susan Gayton, Billy, Bobby, Barry and Gary Gayton; along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 10, 2017 in the chapel of Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and Cremation Services with Greg Patterson and Toby Abernathy officiating. Interment will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers for those who wish, may make donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, 41 Perimeter Center E., Suite 550, Atlanta, Ga. 30346 in Benny’s memory.

Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mr. Benny Gayton; please visit www.parnickjenningsfuneral.com to share memories or to leave a condolence message.