Richard Eugene Payne Sr.

Richard Eugene Payne, Sr., 80, of Lexington passed away peacefully Easter Sunday March 27, 2016 at Hinkle Hospice House surrounded by his family. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Reeds United Methodist Church with Rev. Duncan Martin officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Wednesday at Davidson Funeral Home and other times at the home. Mr. Payne was born December 1, 1935, in Iredell County to Thomas Seager Payne and Hazel Alda Craver Payne. He retired from NC Dept. of Corrections as Assistant Director of Foods and Services, and was a member of Reeds United Methodist Church. He was a volunteer for West Davidson Food Pantry and also volunteered with Meals on Wheels for 15 years. He was a Scoutmaster for Boys Scouts of America Troop 209 and was a volunteer for 20 years. He received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine December 1, 2006. This award is one of the state’s highest honors and is presented by the Governor. Richard was a quiet, gentle man and an example to everyone who knew him. Richard married the love of his life, Pattie Sue Smith Payne, June 11, 1955 who survives of the home. They were married for 60 years. Also surviving are two sons, Richard Payne, Jr. of Durham, Alexander Payne, Sr. (Leslie) of Lexington; a daughter, Pamela P. White (John) of Cary; two grandchildren, Lee Payne, Laura Payne; a brother, Tom Payne (Mary) of Lexington; and a sister, Florence Greene (Eddie) of Lexington. Memorials may be directed to Reeds United Methodist Church, 4731 W. Old US Hwy 64, Lexington, NC 27295 or Meals on Wheels, 555 E. Center St., Lexington, NC 27292