Johnnie Ray Payne

Throughout his youth, Johnnie was always active and competitive, playing baseball and football and developing the strength and determination that would guide him throughout his life. As a young man, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy on active duty for several years, later continuing his commitment through the Navy Reserve and the Air National Guard. During his military service, Johnnie began a career with the United States Postal Service, where he worked faithfully over thirty years.

On December 12, 1978, Johnnie married the love of his life, Martha Kay (Hanback) Payne. Together they built a blended and loving family. He was a devoted father to Scarlett from her toddler years forward, and later he and Kay welcomed their daughters Amanda and Jessica. When Paula became part of the family, Johnnie lovingly stepped into a father role for her as well. His steady presence shaped the lives of each of his children.

Johnnie was a man of faith and a devoted Christian, raising his family with the same values and spiritual foundation that guided his own life. He believed deeply in the importance of simply being there—showing up to support his loved ones in both milestone moments and everyday life. His quiet strength and reliability were a constant gift to those around him.

Curious by nature and intellectually minded, Johnnie had a passion for learning and collecting. He spent countless hours researching genealogy and carefully building family history records. He also enjoyed collecting coins, stamps, vintage postcards, baseball memorabilia, comic books, and discovering treasures while thrifting. Known for his perfectly timed one-liner jokes, he could lighten a room with unexpected wit. He was calm and steady in difficult moments, always ready to step in when his family needed him. Johnnie truly lived out the values of integrity and honesty—not just in words, but in the way he lived each day.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his older half-brother, Bert Payne.

Johnnie is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Martha Kay Payne; his children Scarlett Mann (Robbie), Amanda Kay Payne, Jessica Joneas (Seth), and Paula Sullivan (James); and his cherished grandchildren Hannah Faith Mann, Melody Mann, John Asher Joneas, Amelia Joneas, and Declan Croy. He is also survived by his brothers George Payne and Kenneth Payne, and his sister Katherine Ostrom.

Johnnie will be remembered as a steady, loving husband, father, and grandfather; a man of faith and character; and a quiet pillar of strength for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family who will forever carry his love in their hearts.