Rev. Johnny William Payne: Obituary

Rev. Johnny William Payne, age 66 of Eton, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at his residence.

Rev. Payne accepted Jesus as his Savior at 10 years of age and devoted his life to serving the Lord. He was an ordained minister of 40 years. He served as the pastor of Dewberry, Zion Hill, Maple Grove, Cool Springs, and Little Prospect Baptist Church, where he was the current pastor. He witnessed to all who met him and worked diligently to see that many would come to know the Lord. Those fortunate enough to know or have him as a friend knew of his love for his family, but first and foremost was his love for the Lord. It was this love that touched each life he came into contact with.

He was a loving husband, father, and papaw who was never too busy to make sure his family knew how important they were to him with even the smallest of gestures to make an imprint on their lives. Throughout his life, he never desired recognition for himself, but that others would see Christ through him. Working 36 years in the school system, Mr. Payne touched the lives of many children and left a lasting impression. He was loved by many.

He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Payne; first wife, Sandi Goodson Payne; son-in-law, Billy Smith; a sister-in-law, Marie Osborne; brother-in-law, Ernest Jones.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Payne of Eton, daughters and sons-in-law, Gina and Dewayne Cronan of Ranger, Felicia and Steve Corbin of Chatsworth, Staci and Wade Ruse of Dalton, Laura Beth and Zach Crow of Calhoun, and Sarah Champion of Chatsworth; his mother, Rosella Payne of Eton; brother, Ray Payne of Birmingham, AL; sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Mark Bowen of Chatsworth; brothers-in-law David Goodson of Texas, and Everett Jones of Chatsworth; sisters-in-law, Nancy Ridley of Dalton, and Tamara Walthrop of Texas; grandchildren, Dylan Cronan, Lucas, Jacob, Matthew, and Caleb Corbin, Caleb, Tyler, Aaron, and Emily Smith, Blake Mendez, Corbin Reynolds, Hunter Kilgore, Kaitlyn and Carter Crow; nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Rev. Payne will be held Monday, October 31, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Peeples Funeral Home with Rev. Bob Bagley, Rev. Charles Smith, Rev. Steve Corbin, and Rev. Andrew Bowen officiating. Interment will follow in the Dewberry Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Peeples Funeral Home & Crematory of Chatsworth is in charge of the arrangements.