Mr. Charles Luther Payne Sr.

Poplarville, MS - Charles Luther Payne, 67, died Wednesday August 10, 2011 at his ranch following a valliant fight against cancer. He leaves his wife of 34 years, Fannie (Wallace) Payne; his son, Charles Luther Payne, Jr.; his daughter, Lisa Payne Hellmers; his sisters, Theresa Williams, Royce Payne, and Nancy Lotz; his beloved aunt, Aline Walker Evers; many devoted cousins; two much treasured granchildren, Chelbe Payne and Samuel Hurst and many relatives, friends, and business associates.

Born the son of Roy Lawrence Payne and Theresa (Walker) Payne in Meridian, MS, he was a lifelong resident of Louisiana and Mississippi.

Mr. Payne was employed as Vice-President of Sharp Electric Co. of Metairie, LA for 44 years. In this capacity he supervised many of the major construction jobs in the New Orleans area and he was widely considered an expert in his profession.

Believing in community service, he served as a professor of Construction Electricity at Delgado Community College; a Lieutenant in Charge of the Slidell Police Department Reserve Unit holding Badge Number 700; and also volunteered in many church and social activities along with his wife.

Since his early years, a passion for equines and ranching led to the conception of the Three P3P Ranch in Poplarville, MS where he and Fannie raised Angus Cattle, and over time cultivated champion Paint Horses. Their favorite, "Blue" was honored as World Champion this year in Fort Worth, Texas. This accolade was the pinnacle of his journey of ribbons and awards in his equestrian pursuits.

Mr. Payne was also an electrician and a member of IBEW Local 130 in New Orleans; a member of the National Rifle Association; a registered gunsmith; and held Championship awards in Expert Competitive Shooting.

An avid traveler, he and Fannie traveled throughout the United States on their Harley Davidson Motorcyles, meeting and making lasting friendships with people they encountered along their way, including celebrities.

Graveside funeral services will be 3:30 pm Monday August 15, 2011 in the Confederate Cemetery in Enterprise, Mississippi. Visitation will be 11:00 am until 12:00 pm Monday at White Funeral Home 315 Highway 11 South, Poplarville, MS 39470. Online condolences may be given at www.whitefuneralhomepoplarville.com .

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Socitey (800) 227-2345.

White Funeral Home, Poplarville (601) 795-4982 in charge of arrangements.