Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 3:00-5:00 PM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, GA. A funeral service will take place on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Wynnton Methodist Church, 2412 Wynnton Rd, Columbus, GA. A private graveside service will follow.
Ken Payne, Sr was born on August 15, 1944 in Chester, SC to the late Mary Kathryn Coker Payne and the late Hershal John Payne. He graduated from Jordan Vocational High School where he met the love of his life, Jennie Bowden Payne. Ken then attended Columbus Technical Institute where he received an associate’s degree in electronics. Ken and Jennie were married for 58 years and raised two children, a son and daughter, from their home in Columbus, GA.
In 1975, Ken began working as a salesman at Montgomery Ward in Columbus, GA and helped prepare the store for its initial opening. Ken remained employed there over 20 years. Ken then began working at Direct Services followed by New Horizons at which time he then retired. In his free time, Ken enjoyed gardening, especially growing tomatoes, working in his wood shop, traveling to the mountains and across the country with his wife and family, and visiting with family and friends. Ken was an active member of Wynnton Methodist Church.
His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his family: his wife, Jennie Bowden Payne; his two children, Kenneth Payne, Jr (Kelly) from West Point, GA and Leigh Payne Brooks (Robert) from Cataula, GA; and six grandchildren Breanna Laine Brooks Owen (Riley), Harlan Robert Brooks, Gage Claude Payne, Destiny Deeann Payne, Kimberly Leighann Payne, and Johnnie Michael Payne.
Those desiring may send flowers or make a contribution to Wynnton Methodist Church, 2412 Wynnton Rd, Columbus, GA.
