Timothy Lee Payne

Timothy “Tim” Lee Payne was born on June 22, 1950, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Stephen and Mae Payne. On that day, he became the little brother to Barry Payne. Due to his father’s service in the U.S. Navy, the family later relocated to San Diego, California, where they established lasting roots in National City.

Tim attended Lincoln Acres Elementary School, Granger Middle School, and Sweetwater High School. Tim and Barry welcomed their younger sister, Bonnie (Payne) McGuire in the fall of 1956. During Tim’s senior year of high school, the family moved to Ohio, where he completed his senior year. Although he did not officially graduate from Sweetwater High School, Tim proudly considered himself a SuHI graduate and a lifelong Red Devil. He always looked forward to high school reunions and cherished running into classmates at Napoleon’s Pizza House.

After high school, at the age of 19, Tim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his service, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton, Ca and in Okinawa, Japan. Tim served for two years and was honorably discharged, earning the National Defense Service Medal. Though his time in the Marine Corps was brief, he was deeply proud to be a Marine Corps veteran.

On October 11, 1975, at the age of 25, Tim married the love of his life, Jessie Ann (Aguayo) Payne, and became a devoted father to her daughter, Yvette Aguayo. Two and a half years later, Tim and Jessie welcomed their daughter, Yvonne, on May 26, 1978. Just 11 months and 16 days later, their son, Timothy Lee Payne Jr., lovingly known as Jay, was born.

Early in his adult career Tim was an employee of Mayfair Market where he was a Grocery clerk. Tim worked for several years as a welder at Nassco, later as a warehouseman for Fedco, and eventually as a custodian for the San Diego Unified School District, where he proudly spent many years before retiring.

Tim’s favorite pastimes included body surfing, suntanning, fishing, and listening to and watching San Diego Padres baseball. He especially loved listening to the games on the radio while suntanning in the backyard and playing fetch with the family dogs.

On October 11, 2025, Tim and Jessie proudly celebrated 50 years of marriage. From that single day in 1975, their family blossomed. Together, they shared a beautiful life with three children, eight grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters.

Tim Payne lived a life rooted in family, service, and simple joys. From his early years in National City to his proud service as a Marine, from his strong work ethic to his deep devotion to Jessie and their growing family, Tim showed us the value of loyalty, love, and perseverance. He found happiness in everyday moments—sunshine in the backyard, the sound of a Padres game on the radio, time with his dogs, and most of all, time with the people he loved.

Tim’s legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughters, and through the countless memories shared by those who knew him. He will be remembered for his steady presence, his pride in his family, and the love he gave so freely. His life was well lived, and he will be deeply missed but never forgotten.