Walter Payne Sr.

Walter Avin Payne, Sr. was born July 28, 1937. He entered into the heavenly Kingdom of God on August 5, 2011 at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center, in Wilmington, NC.

Walter Payne was born in Dudley, Missouri, and grew up in Pontiac, Michigan. He served in the USMC for 25 years. He enlisted as a private, but retired as a Captain. He was very proud to be a member of the Mustang Association, who are fellow officers that achieved the status of officer by moving up through the ranks. Walt served in the Viet Nam conflict as a radio and electronics officer. During his military service he received many good conduct medals as well as the Viet Nam Service Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal.

After his military service, and in his later years, he suffered with many service related health problems. He was declared a 100 % Disabled American Veteran. He appreciated the Support and camaraderie of the DAV and contributed often to their causes and concerns.

Walt loved sports and served many hours as a volunteer coach for the youth groups in various churches. He was very interested in building athletic skills and good sportsmanship with his own children as well as other young people.

He was a devoted son, brother, husband, and father to his family. His Christian faith and devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ was an inspiration to all that met him. Walt and Kay married on February 13, 1999. They both enjoyed attending church and being involved in church activities. They joined First Christian Church in 2010. Walt was an inspirational Christian witness to the Congregation of FCC. He will always be remembered for his steadfast love and devotion to his family and many friends. We will all cherish the memories of his kindness and generosity to all.

He is predeceased by his father, Walter Henry Payne, sisters, Beverly Ann Clark, Dorothy Ihrke and daughter, Linda Hobbs.

A Funeral Service will be Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at First Christian Church, Richlands with Rev. Dr. Gary Edens officiating. Burial will follow at Onslow Memorial Park with Military Honors.

He is survived by his wife, Kay, his mother, Nova Payne, two brothers, Don, Earl and wife Kay; also sisters, Judy Dixon, Pamela Chenault, and Cheryl Hendry. Walt was a loving “Papa” to ten children, Ray Carnes, Dion Payne, Linda Hobbs, Terry Grant, and husband John, Donald Lloyd Carnes, Jr. and wife Lisa, Walter Avin Payne, Jr. and wife Pat, Melissa Havrin and husband David, Paula Humphrey, Natalie Humphrey, Alanna Pittman and husband Dana. There are 15 grandchildren, Angela, Dion Lee, Sherry, Heather, J.R., Christopher, Sally, Christie, Katie, Amanda, Aaron, Marissa, Matthew, Nathaniel and Anamaria. There are also eleven great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 7:00-9:00 pm on Monday, August 8, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Home, Jacksonville.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund, 124 Trott Rd, Richlands, NC 28574, and Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center, 1406 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401, and DAV, Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, Attn: Gift Processing.

Arrangements by Johnson Funeral Home, Jacksonville.