Ronald Lee Payne

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Dodd Gibson Payne; his stepson, William Edward Gibson; his sister, Lois Payne Smith; and niece, Carla Leigh Smith; as well as several cousins.

Ron was born August 13, 1930 in Dunbar, West Virginia to Doy Everett and Gladys Wiseman Payne. After graduating from Dunbar High School in 1948, he entered Marshall University and became a proud alum in 1952 with a degree in Political Science & History. That same year, he joined the Marines serving in Korea as a platoon commander and later a commanding officer of headquarters and service company. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Marines, he accepted a position with General Motors as district manager with Yellow Manufacturing Division and later transferred to San Francisco with the Buick Division as district manager on the West Coast.

In 1962, he accepted a position with Federal Services Finance Corp. as manager of various Far East offices for the next four years until their offices were closed. He then decided to re-enlist in the Marines and served in Vietnam in the psychological ops division. In 1968, Mr. Payne completed his military career with the rank of Major.

After returning from Vietnam, he joined his mother to develop the Crystal Shoppes. He invested in land on Highway 74 whenever it became available. He was a partner in real estate ventures which included several condominium conversions and the purchase of Morningside Apartments.

In 1983, the longtime bachelor married his wife, Charlotte, in a ceremony at the Duke Mansion, home of his longtime friend Bill Allan.

After being introduced to the opera by his wife, he became a generous supporter of Opera Carolina and never missed another opera. Ron and his wife are founding members of the Verdi Society of Opera Carolina. He was a lifetime member of the Opera Guild of Charlotte. He was very fond of all the ladies of the Guild and for almost 20 years he provided the favors for their annual Christmas Tea. He also looked forward to his monthly luncheons with the “Opera Guild Warriors”, a group of husbands of past Guild presidents.

Ron was a lifelong Republican. Any candidate running for office could always count on his financial support.

Another interest was Wingate University where he made a generous contribution for the new Vocal Hall which bears his name.

He was an avid collector of historical artifacts his entire life. He was an expert on the Civil War and nearly as much on World War I and II.

All through his life he was blessed with dear and close friends whom he kept in touch with for the rest of his life.

After his retirement in 1996, he and his wife traveled to many countries including South Africa, New Zealand, China, South America, Thailand, Russia and most European countries. They also enjoyed their yearly trips to Las Vegas where Ron loved to enter slot tournaments and actually once winning!

The family wishes to thank the special caregivers from Senior Bridge – Peter, Inga, Shemeka and Elizabeth. They also thank the Hospice nurses Ashley and Lindsey.

A memorial service followed by a reception will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Harry & Bryant, 500 Providence Road, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Opera Carolina or Wingate University.