Willie Earl Payne, age 82, of Montevallo, Alabama, passed away June 11, 2016. Earl served in the US Navy in combat in Korea and Vietnam, as Harbor Defense in Japan, and at various duty stations during peace time. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation. He retired as Chief Petty Officer after 21 years of service. Earl also retired from Spiller Furniture Company and SEPCO Corporation. He was preceded in death by his wife, Fumie Okobo Payne; 3 sisters; and a brother. He is survived by his sons, Jessie C. Payne (Betty Kay) of Greensboro, AL and Warren Payne (Rita) of Alabaster, AL; grandchildren, Meredith Christian, Grant Parry, Tyler Christian, Stephanie Duchene, Kimberlee Payne, Benjamin Payne, Josh Payne, and Merry Grace Harper; 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 from 10AM-11AM at Rockco Funeral Home (Montevallo). A graveside service will follow at Montevallo City Cemetery.
