Arthur Eugene Payne

Service for Art Payne will be held at Collier-Butler Funeral Home, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. with visitation from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. Burial will follow at Hokes Bluff Cemetery. Pastor Jay Stewart will officiate with Collier-Butler Funeral Home directing.

Mr. Payne was born in Centre, AL on July 1, 1937. He graduated from Ontario High School in Mansfield, Ohio. He was employed at Mansfield GM as a journeyman tool and die maker before transferring to management. He was a Senior Project Engineer at both Troy, Michigan and Lansing, Michigan, retiring after 32 years to return to Gadsden. Currently, he was employed as a Deputy Constable for Etowah County. He was a member of Dwight Baptist Church, where he was a deacon, Couple’s Bible study teacher, and had served in the capacity of video presentation. He was in the Air Force Reserve for many years after completing a skilled acts program. Mr. Payne will be remembered for caring for his friends and his passion for new restaurants.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Eugene Payne and Hazel Hicks Payne.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara Johnson Payne; his son, Christopher Payne; his daughter, Donna Wilson and her husband Kevin Wilson; his granddaughter, Ashley Stanfill; his grandsons, Logan Laird and Kevin Wilson. He is survived by numerous family and friends. Special thanks to Ted and Marie Johnson, Phyllis and Wayne Lee, and Zaddie Johnson, Mother-in-Law.

Pallbearers will be Ted Johnson, Wayne Lee, Joseph Jordan, John Kangelos, Jeff Johnson, Tyler Barnes, Greg Johnson, and Cody Johnson. Honorary pallbearers will be members of Dwight Couple’s and fellow deacons.

Special thanks to the emergency personnel who attended Mr. Payne at his home. Your care and efficiency is greatly appreciated.

The family requests no flowers, but donations can be sent to Dwight Baptist Church New Life Center, 520 N. 29th St., Gadsden, AL 35904.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.collier-butler.com.