Payam Rahmanian

With a profound sadness and grief, the Rahmanian family announces the passing of Payam “Pi” Rahmanian. Payam was born on December 12, 1986, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and passed unexpectedly on September 7, 2024 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Payam was preceded in death by Akram Shaykhan (paternal grandmother), Ismael Rahmanian (paternal grandfather), He is survived by his father, Saeed Rahmanian and wife Brandi Rahmanian, mother Azar Khosravani and husband Mark Beintema, Stepmother Melissa Bruce Adkins and husband David Adkins, brother Puya Rahmanian and wife Samantha Rahmanian with daughter Penelope Rahmanian.

He was a graduate of Farragut High School in 2006 and was active in the school choir which began his love for music. His music tastes were eclectic, ranging from Iron Maiden to Ozzy Osbourne and Insane Clown Posse. After finishing second grade, Payam moved with his family to Tehran, Iran, where he attended a transitional school to learn Persian in preparation for attending regular school. In 2002, the family returned to the United States, choosing Knoxville, Tennessee, as their home. He cherished spending time with his cousins and grandparents, and whenever family gathered over dinner or just to hang out, he fondly reminisced about the good times back in Tehran. Occasionally, during calls with his aunt and uncle, he would attempt to speak Persian with them, always wearing his beautiful smile.

Payam had an innocent, heartwarming smile and a deep appreciation for humor. He often sent Star Trek meme jokes to his father and shared a love of Halloween with his mother. His love for food and cooking was unmistakable. He would often share pictures of the meals he had prepared, taking pride in what he made. One of his all-time favorites was a main dish with a side of Ranch dressing—or as many would joke ranch was the main meal itself. His kitchen was stocked with a wide variety of spices, showing his passion for experimenting with flavors.

His friends, neighbors, and family all share caring words about Payam. He had a gentle, kind-hearted spirit, never causing harm to anyone. A polite and respectful gentleman, he always greeted our friends at gatherings with warmth and that same beautiful smile. His coworkers at his most recent job enjoyed working with him and spoke highly of his character.

Payam touched the lives of so many with his kindness and love, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. We will honor his life on Friday, September 13, 2024, at Berry Highland West, 9913 Sherrill Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37932. Visitation will begin at 4:30-6:30 pm with a service following immediately after. Burial will be private for family only on Wednesday, September 11. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to NAMI Knoxville in honor of Payam Rahmanian.

For Payam

You left before the dawn could rise,

Before the stars let go the skies.

A whisper caught between the days,

Now echoes in a thousand ways.

I held your hand, so soft, so small,

And thought we'd climb life's hills, stand tall.

But time, it stole you far too soon,

Like shadows fleeing from the moon.

The dreams we had, the paths unwalked,

The words unsaid, the smiles we talked—

They linger in the quiet air,

A song unfinished, always there.

Yet still, I feel your gentle light,

A flicker in the darkest night.

You’ve touched the world, though brief your stay,

In every tear, in every ray.

And though you’re gone, my heart still knows,

In every wind, in every rose,

You live within the love we keep—

A tender flame, though now you sleep.