Paul Russell Payne Sr.

Paul Russell Payne, Sr., 98 of St. Simons Island passed away on Monday, September 3, 2012 at his home on St. Simons Island. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to service.

Paul was born March 22, 1914 in Grantville, KS to the late Truman Boyd Payne and Carrie Short Payne. He was the founder of Glynco Machine and Tool Co. in Brunswick, GA with his devoted wife Evelyn Yates Payne, deceased last year. As a resident of St. Simons Island for the past 39 years, he was very active in Free Masonry and Eastern Star. He belonged to the Golden Isles Lodge #707 where he served as Worshipful Master in 1987. He also served as Governor of Demolay for Georgia and was Past Patron of Neptune Chapter # 153 Order of The Eastern Star. He was also active in the Shrine and as a clown he enjoyed making everyone laugh. Together with his beloved wife Evelyn, he spent many years in charge of the Salvation Army kettle campaigns. His strong support and generosity was evident and unending to everyone he touched.

Following retirement, Paul was busy in his home workshop building bible stands and various biblical artifacts for his church – Wesley United Methodist Church of St. Simons Island, GA. He was also an avid reader of all stories – western.

Mr. Payne is survived by his son Paul R. Payne, Jr. of Treasure Island, FL and three daughters Darlene Kaminski of Palm Harbor, FL, Elizabeth Holmes of Chiefland, FL and Susan Walsh of Clearwater, FL . He is also survived by step-daughters Donna Wilson of St. Augustine, FL and Linda Rudd of Green Cove Springs, FL. Being blessed with many grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren, they brought him great joy; as did his humor and affection bring joy to all of them. He was the grand patriarch of our family and will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be given to:

Hospice of the Golden Isles

1692 Glynco Parkway

Brunswick, GA 31525

Online donations can be made @ http://www.hospice.me/page/donate/

Arrangements are entrusted to Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home. Please sign the guest book for Paul Russell Payne, Sr. at www.edomillerandsons.com