Gerald Abraham Payne

Gerald Payne, 75, of Traverse City, passed away January 7, 2013 at Bortz Health Care Center. Born July 19, 1937 he was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Wilma (Ruegsegger) Payne and his sister Jean Davis.

Gerry graduated from Traverse City Central High in 1955. Throughout his life he owned Payne’s Country Corner, volunteered for East Bay Fire Department, and sold fire equipment in northern Michigan. In 1998, after 10 years of faithful service as a security officer at T.C. Senior High, he retired. Some of Gerry’s interests were watching the Tigers play, racing snowmobiles and stock cars, plowing snow, and bowling.

Gerry will be lovingly missed by his daughter Patricia (Phillip) Gault, son Michael (Julie) Payne, Nancy (Michael) Chambon, and grandchildren Patrick, Phebe, and Pauline Gault, Joshua Payne, Samantha and Jeremy Chambon, brother in law Gordon Davis, and his sweet poodle, Kelly.

A private family memorial service is planned for Sunday, January 13. Please share your fond memories and condolences at www.CovellFuneralHomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City.