1SG (Ret) Homer S. Payne Jr.

Homer S. Payne, JR, 1SG (Ret), passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at the Hospice of Union County Monroe, North Carolina. Homer was born December 6, 1943 in Altadena, California. He was the son of the late Homer S. Payne, Sr and Margaret Collins Payne.

Homer graduated from Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe Springs, California where he played center on the football team and ran track. Following his graduation he enlisted in the Army in December 1961 and retired December 1991. His military career included multiple assignments worldwide and several deployments with the 82nd Airborne Division. Spending most of his career with the 82nd Airborne Division, having been initially assigned to 508th PIR. When the 82nd Airborne Division decided that it would bring in an Armor unit as part of its organization he was selected to be part of the cadre that ushered the new armor unit into the 82nd Airborne Division. Homer was sent to Fort Riley, Kansas to obtain tanks and bring them back to Fort Bragg by rail. During this time at Fort Riley, he attempted to recruit tank mechanics who wanted to be paratroopers. He was successful obtaining the tanks but not the mechanics. He later made a trip to Fort Knox and got 3 bus loads of mechanics who wanted to be paratroopers and escorted them to Fort Benning to attend the Airborne Qualification Course. He subsequently returned to Fort Bragg with the newly qualified paratroops. The first Airborne Armor Battalion in the free world stood up, and as one of the initial members of the 4th Battalion (Lights) (Airborne) 68th Armor and when the unit was redesignated to the 3rd Battalion (Airborne) 73rd Armor. During his time with airborne armor, he held multiple positions of leadership. Homer’s most rewarding position was when he was the Headquarter & Headquarter Company First Sergeant with 3rd Battalion (Airborne) 73rd Armor, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. He felt that this was the most influential position in the Army, in directly molding many young soldiers into ensuring that they meet their potential.

His most loved position was when he was the Scout Platoon Sergeant, it was here that he was able to directly influence the training and leading his beloved Scouts. Homer has received numerous awards and recognition throughout his military career. Homer was recently a recipient of the Order of St. George, this award recognized his continuing support of the United States Army mounted force as Armored/Calvary leader and his demonstration of tactical and technical competence as US Army Cavalry Scout.

Coming in second was not in his vocabulary. Because of his attention to detail and professionalism many of his young NCOs served in higher levels of responsibility. He was a Jumpmaster (Centurion Wings Recipient) and told many young paratroopers to stand in the door and GO. His last assignment was the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, while stationed there he attended Barstow College and received a degree of Associate of Arts.

Following his retirement, when Homer returned to Charlotte he worked as a security manager for Childress Kline where he remained employed for 20 years retiring in 2012. Homer continued to remain active with the 82nd Airborne Division Association and help establish the 73rd Regiment Veterans Group of the 82nd Airborne Division. He attended many functions, as this was his most enjoyable activity to be back with his fellow veterans and the ability to talk with the younger soldiers that are currently serving in the 82nd Airborne Division. He enjoyed hiking on the Appalachian Trail and contributed to his community by working with the Waxhaw Police Department Explorer group teaching camping and hiking.

He is survived by his wife, Thalia L. Payne; sister-in-law, Patricia “Stormy” Clark (Rick); brother-in-law, John Hughes (Pamela); nieces, Ashley S. Heller, Avyn K. Rhodes, Elizabeth Hughes and Lisa B Blackwelder (Travis); and nephews, Byron J.Hughes and D.Dennis Rhodes (Kathryn).

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Verlie Payne.

A celebration of life will be held for Homer at Fort Bragg during All American Week and at Arlington National Cemetery with military honors at the time of interment.