OBITUARY
Richard Seagler Payne
September 27, 1956 – February 9, 2021
Richard S. “Rich” Payne, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 9. He was born September 27, 1956 in Atlanta, GA to Charles Jonathan and Helyn Marie Cleveland Payne.
Rich was a 1978 graduate of the University of Georgia, and a lifelong Bulldog fan. After moving to Chattanooga, TN, his career included positions with TVA, CBMC, Chattanooga State, and the Krystal Company.
He was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, and a member of Silverdale Baptist Church.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother David J. Payne. He is survived by his wife, Amy L. Payne of Chattanooga, TN; his children Shannon (Roman) Bielcik, Jonathan (Audra), Joseph (Mila), Joshua (Kellie), Jordan (Malory), and Jeremy; 8 step-children; many grandchildren; brother, Jeff Payne (Melanie) of Marietta, GA; and sister, Vicki Parrish (Dan) of Natchitoches, LA. Terrie L. Payne of Lookout Mountain, TN is the mother of his children.
A private service will be held by the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or online at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/
Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com. Announcement by Chattanooga Funeral Home – Valley View Chapel.
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Richard Seagler Payne
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYJim Nix
February 23, 2021
I knew Rich from the BSU at UGA. He was a good person with a wonderful heart.
Greg Stephens
February 21, 2021
Have not had the words, and still do not, to share sufficient condolences to the Payne family for their loss suffered with Rich’s sudden passing. Rich was a great, amd most reliable, friend; whenever one called, he did whatever he possibly could to help. He was, to date, one of my very closest male friends in the area. I, and all who knew him, will miss him greatly...again, there just are no words.
Yet, in the midst of the individual and collective grief of all who knew Rich, there is great comfort knowing he is now forever with his Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ. And it is his Lord Jesus Christ that Rich would want all to know. (Rom. 10:8-10; 1 Cor. 15:1-4).
Daniel Grant
February 18, 2021
Rich, hired me out of college at TVA. I've always appreciated the start he give me with my career. He was great to work for and a good friend. I haven't seen Rich for a while, and was stunned to see his passing. Looking forward to seeing him again. Thankful for the hope we have in Jesus.
Penny Walker
February 18, 2021
Dear Family,
I am so sorry to just now be learning of Rich's death. We worked together at TVA and I had just recently reconnected with him in September 2019 at a BVI banquet. I am so saddened by his passing. He was such a wonderful man and you could tell he walked in the path God laid out for him. Please know you will be in my prayers.
Ernie Kearns
February 17, 2021
"Dickie" was a great friend when we were youngsters. The homeplace on Tejas Trail in East Point was a thing to behold. The hospitality was always shown by Ms. Helyn. (She was also the school bus driver for both myself and my wife)
I still remember all the antique things hanging in the kitchen (esp) and through out the home. The snuff 'bladder' I still remember since my great aunts in NC tobacco country were fond of the same. Jeff and Vickie (both older) always treated us well. Well, Rich and I were separated via life events as time passed. As I have read the other comments I am not a bit surprised by anything I have read. Amy, prayers are lifted for your comfort and peace. With Love, Ernie
Thomas Clark
February 16, 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Rich at the Kryatal Company. Authentic, genuine, and kind soul is how I remember him and it has everything to do with how he loved Jesus. I’m saddened to hear of his passing. Praying for the entire Payne family.
Kim Kingry
February 16, 2021
I enjoyed working with Rich on music for a set of VN weekends as he was men's worship leader and I was women's. Short time knowing him but he was great to work with! Condolences and heartfelt prayers going up for his family and loved ones from the Kingrys.
Jerry and Jeanne' Bales
February 16, 2021
We are saddened by the news of Rich's death. Have many happy memories of times spent with Rich and Amy. He was a good man who loved the Lord. He will certainly be missed, but we know he is now in heaven and experiencing all the joy and peace God had planned for him! Our prayers go out to Amy and Rich's family and will continue to ask God to comfort them.
Love and Prayers,
Jeanne' and Jerry Bales
Gary Burnett
February 15, 2021
I’ve only known Rich for about 6 years through our class in church, Tres Dias events, and more time serving and socially. He has been one of the closest friends in my life, and I will miss him deeply. We shared the same birthday, which I’ll have to share with me in years ahead. He deserves every respect and comments posted here. I’m in awe of his example of a man who served our Lord through any challenge he faced. May his family find their peace knowing he will live in paradise with God eternally.
Karen Parham
February 15, 2021
We met Rich at a gender-reveal party for Chris and Abigail Parham’s daughter Rosemary. Even though the meeting wnd time spent talking was very brief, he was very friendly and polite. So sorry to hear of the sudden loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Payne family.
-The Parham Family
Jimmy Biddle
February 15, 2021
Having worked several years with Rich at Krystal, he was always a caring and talented person to work with. He will be sorely missed.
Patti Rice Fowle
February 14, 2021
I have very special memories of the Payne family growing up at Dogwood Hills Baptist Church and Rich was a part of that. My sincerest sympathy to Jeff, Vicki and Rich's remaining family. My prayers are with you for peace and comfort knowing that he has now seen our Savior's face and joined the saints gone before us.
Stephen Reiter
February 14, 2021
Met this amazing servant of Christ on a Tres Dias weekend soon after coming to town and quickly became great friends. We shared so much in common - love of Jesus, family, music, living life fully and serving on Tres Dias/Vida Nueva. He was active in our church small groups and just loved on everyone. We were honor to call Rich our friend and brother, a man who not only talked the Gospel, he lived them. Miss already our calls, visits, prayer time and breaking bread. Will see you some day in the sight of Jesus.
SCOTT SMITH
February 14, 2021
I am saddened by Rich's passing because so many people have lost a beautiful Christ follower. Always upbeat and positive, I never saw the man without a smile on his face. Rich had a true servant's heart, proving life is not about what you can get, but the lives you touch and the people you meet in a way that honors Christ. I am honored to have served with Rich.
Scott
Steve McCary
February 14, 2021
I’m saddened to hear of Rich’s passing, but thankful for the assurance of his eternal security in Christ Jesus. I briefly reconnected with him a few months ago, and immediately, and fondly recalled the Payne family during my early years on staff at WPBC. May God’s grace be yours in this season of loss.
Carolyn Eddings
February 13, 2021
I so remember Rich Payne (late 70s-80s) from working at the Sequoyah Training Center (formerly the Power Operations Training Center). He was such a nice person. My thoughts and prayers go out for his family. Sincerely, Carolyn
Marty Hamby
February 13, 2021
Dear Amy and children, I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. Your husband and father was a dear friend! I so look forward to seeing him again. I am praying God will comfort you and give you peace that passes all understanding!
Paula Till Lincoln
February 13, 2021
I knew Rich ( Dickie) Payne growing, up in Dogwood Hills Baptist Church. He was my brother Jonathan's age. I grew up with Vickie Payne Parrish. I loved His loving Christian family. His Mother was very special, and raised a wonderful family. Heaven rejoices in receiving Rich. I pray for the loss, to Rich's family . Christ's Blessings and comfort to all, who were Blessed, by Rich during his life here. Love ,in Chr and Fred Lincoln.🙏🙏✝️🙏🕊️
George Cudabac
February 13, 2021
My most sincere condolences to Rich's family. I knew Richard through his employment and enjoyed his friendship and professional talents throughout most of his career. May his spirit abide with his family for years to come. God's peace and blessings to all.
George & Shirley Cudabac
Lori Stiers
February 13, 2021
So shocked and saddened to learn of Rich's passing. He was always so friendly and upbeat. He will certainly be missed.
Carolyn Edmonds
February 13, 2021
20 plus years after high school talking to Richie was like talking to a friend you saw often.
His faith was obvious in his conversation and his joy was visible and encouraging.
May the witness of his faith continue to bless his family and friends through their grief and honor God through Jesus Christ.
Cory Germany
February 12, 2021
Rich was always very welcoming and kind to me.. Heartbroken for the ones who knew him better and loved him. My prayers and condolences to his family during this time.
Harold Mosley
February 12, 2021
It was such a pleasure to have known Rich. We spent many times together on Marketing projects and at tradeshows during his time at Mueller.
We had the chance to catch up at basketball games at Grace Baptist Academy and at church at Silverdale.
He was always able to keep things light. What a talent. He will be missed.
I want to extend our thoughts and prayers to all of the Payne family.
Ken Whiteley
February 12, 2021
My first memories of Rich are from when he hired me at TVA (on Steve Cowart’s recommendation), and my most recent are of Rich lingering at the memorabilia table at my retirement party and gladly introducing himself to others as the reason I was there.
May the families and friends now mourning soon know God’s grace and peace and the promise of a reunion in His presence.
Diane Barber Crosby
February 11, 2021
Rich was a lot of fun at the BSU at UGA. Just heartbroken he is gone. What a great, talented guy.
steve cowart
February 11, 2021
Rich and I became friends at UGA BSU and he later asked me to work on his staff at the TVA Nuclear Training Center when I finished my graduate work.
We worked together on many projects throughout the TN Valley as well as several major productions at Woodland Park and Hixson Central Baptist Church. When I left TVA to go into Media Ministry, Rich was completely supportive.
I rejoice that Rich is home with our Savior and I know he will be terribly missed by family and friends.
Pamela Pickelsimer Head
February 11, 2021
Prayers for his family and friends. I have so many memories of our Baptist Student Union days at UGA.
Linda Houghton
February 11, 2021
Have special memories vof Rich during our days at UGA and our involvement in the BSU. Prayers for his family and friends.
Sue Hilley Little
February 11, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with each member of the Payne family and all who loved Rich. This is such a shock and a great loss for all who knew him.
Ray Newby
February 11, 2021
Sorry for the loss of our dear brother in Christ. I served with him in Tres Dias and Vida Nueva. He will be missed by those who knew him.
Tim and Debbie Bittenbender
February 11, 2021
Our heartfelt condolences for the Richard Payne family, I knew rich from attending Central Baptist Church Hixson. Our deepest sympathies.
Carole Smith
February 11, 2021
Dear Payne family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your “Richy’s” tragic accident and death. I remember him well as a little boy. I know your faith is strong and I pray you take comfort in the sure and certain knowledge that he is with Jesus snd you will be with him again.
In His love,
Carole Redmond Smith