James Davis "Duke" Payte, 57, died at 4:45 a.m. Tuesday, December 13, 2011, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family. He was a native of Moss Bluff and lived inLake Charlesfor the majority of his life. He fulfilled his life as a brick mason throughoutSouthwest Louisianaand the surrounding areas.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. His funeral services will begin at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at NewFaithMissionaryBaptistChurch. The Reverend Lawrence Miller will officiate. Burial will be inCombreMemorial Parkunder the direction of Combre's Funeral Home.

Left to cherish his remarkable life are his wife, Carmelita Payte of Lake Charles; three daughters, Shavon (Roumay) Olivier of Walker, Shavela (Ronnie) Harvey of Lake Charles, and Shavarra Payte of Lafayette; two sons Christopher James Payte of Houston, TX and James Curtis Payte of Lake Charles; three beautiful grandchildren Aubree, Arlan and Aiyahna Olivier of Walker, Louisiana; his mother Neasy Cotlong and father James Green both of Lake Charles; one brother Randy (Mellisa) Payte of Lake Charles; four sisters Ida M. Ardoin of Sulphur, Darlene (Cleveland) John, Azail Payte of San Antonio, TX and Agnes Jones of Lake Charles; mother-in-law Bertha Johnwell of Lake Charles; his embraced son Troy Walker of Lake Charles and a host of relatives and friends.