Alvin Wayne Payne

Alvin “Al” Payne passed away peacefully at age 90 on April 25, 2025 in Thousand Oaks, CA. Though most of his life was lived in California, it began in the Ozarks. Al was born on March 2, 1935 in Treece, Kansas, then soon moved to a rural area near Jay, Oklahoma.

His parents moved the family west to Salinas, California, when he was ten years old to seek better opportunities. He shined shoes and took on a paper route as a young boy to help earn money for the family. After graduating from Salinas High School, he joined the Army, serving as a cryptographer, and was stationed overseas in Heidelberg, Germany. Following his military service, he and a friend toured all throughout Europe, igniting his love of travel and exploration. When he returned home, he put himself through college, earning his degree from San Jose State University. He then became a licensed CPA and opened his own practice in Salinas.

At a St. Patrick’s Day party that he almost missed, he met Judith (Judy) Parker from Merced. It was love at first sight. They married in 1963 and had three children together; Carolyn, James, and Christina. He was a loving father and especially devoted to his son, James, who had Down Syndrome.

Al started the Alpine Christmas Tree Farm in the late 1970’s in Prunedale and later built custom homes on part of the tree farm. In 1998, he and Judy moved into a beautiful home that he built in Carmel Valley, of which he was so proud. He loved Monterey County, and worked and lived in the area for over 70 years.

Al loved Jesus and his church community at Compass Church in Salinas. He spent many years volunteering for the Salvation Army and made several mission trips with his church to Ensenada, Mexico to teach trade skills to children in an orphanage there. He also loved traveling, taking the family on many wonderful vacations throughout the years. He modeled how to work hard, save wisely, serve others, and love his family. He continued working as a CPA until he was 88, and when he wasn’t helping clients, Al enjoyed woodworking and hiking at Garland Ranch in Carmel Valley.

He will be missed by his wife of 61 years, Judy; daughters Chrissy (Dave) Isaacson, Carolyn (Len) Cole, and Christina (Richard) Andrews; grandchildren Madeline White, Adam Cole, Henry Andrews, and Georgia Andrews. He is preceded in death by his son James Payne. A Celebration of Life service will be held on May 24th, 2025 at 11am at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village.