Larry Edward Payne

Larry was a graduate of Murfreesboro Central High School, Class of 1958, where he met his sweetheart, Carolyn Smith Payne. They were married on July 29, 1961, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He later graduated from Middle Tennessee State College, and soon after graduation he was deployed to Vietnam, where he flew the first Bell UH-1 Iroquois in an air assault. For his bravery and heroism, Larry received the Distinguished Flying Cross. He would retire from the Army as a flight instructor—serving with steady courage, deep devotion, and a faithful sense of duty that marked both his military career and his life at home.

Larry and his wife, Carolyn, were longtime members of Belle Aire Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where their enduring faith found a spiritual home and community.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Virginia Smith Payne; his parents, Florine and Edward Lee Payne, Sr; and his step-father, James Robert Baskin. He is survived by his sister, Donna Karen Payne Rhodes (and her late husband Doug); brother, James R. Baskin, Jr; nephews, Greg Douglas Rhodes and Bradford Wilson Rhodes (and his wife Cheryl); great nephews, Dylan Rhodes and Wilson Rhodes; great niece, Ryleigh Rhodes; step sisters, Phyllis Payne (and husband Tim) and Denny Patricia Payne Wolfenbarger (and husband Bill); and step brothers, Edward Lee Payne Jr, David Allen Payne, John Thomas "J.T." Payne, and Carl Ronald Payne.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at Roselawn Funeral Home, 5350 NW Broad Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129, on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Memorial Service to Celebrate will be held at Roselawn Funeral Home, 5350 NW Broad Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129, on Thursday, April 23, 2026, beginning at 2:00 pm.