Mr. Payne was born in Fredericksburg the eldest of five children of the late Fred and Bessie (Pollard) Payne. After completing his studies at Fredericksburg High School, Mr. Payne attended Virginia Tech and graduated in 1941 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then reported for duty with the US Army at Fort Eustis, Va. He served at various bases throughout the United States during World War II.
During his service, from 1941-1946, Mr. Payne rose to the rank of Captain and was a Company Commander in charge of more than 165 troops. He also trained recruits who were responsible for building bridges then blowing them up to test the strength of the explosives. Following his military service, he worked in his father’s appliance store.
While serving his country, Mr. Payne met the love of his life, Emma Mae Leach, who was a Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps. They were married for 59 years and she preceded him in death. He spoke often of their love of traveling, dancing, listening to German music and drinking German beer. When asked if he would change anything about his life, Mr. Payne would smile and say “If I could change anything, it would been to have had a longer time with my wife.”
In 1965 he began working at Dahlgren Naval Base where he stayed for over 20 years. He was instrumental in working on the AIM-54 Phoenix Missile and improving moving target indicators. Mr. Payne received the American Defense Award, the Victory Medal and the American Theatre Award. Prior to his death, he was one of the longest surviving members of Elks Lodge 875 with over 70 years of continuous membership.
He is survived by his son, Austin Payne, Jr. of Fredericksburg; and daughter, Jennifer Van Epps (Robert) of Panama City, FL. He is also survived by two grandchildren: Carol Finkenstadt (Andrew) of Pittsburg, CA, and Christopher Van Epps of Melbourne, FL; three great-grandchildren: Edward, Virginia, and Lydia Finkenstadt all of Pittsburg, CA; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends and family on Tuesday, September 1, 2015, from 7-9 P.M. at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, Fredericksburg Chapel, 1621 Jefferson Davis Hwy. A funeral service will be held at Quantico National Cemetery on Wednesday, September 2, 2015, at 1:00 P.M. with military honors. In lieu of flowers the family asked expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to either the Elks National Foundation or a charity of your choosing. Condolences may be sent to mullinsthompsomfredericksburg.com
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