Charles Randolph Payne

Charles Payne, our beloved patriarch, affectionately known as “Babe”, or Father, Dad, C.P., C.R., Pop-Pop, grandpa and so many other titles, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 16, 2024.

The middle child of three, Charles was born to the late William Randolph Payne and Ada Owens Payne in Harlem, New York. His parents and brother, William Allen Payne, preceded him in death. While growing up in Harlem, Charles attended St. Thomas The Apostle Church and School for grades one through eight. While there he served as an altar boy, an assignment he recalled with great pride and reverence.

For grades nine through twelve, he attended Franklin K. Lane High School, where his passion and dedication for track evoked the chant” Payne Brought Fame to Lane”. In 1958, Charles enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps under a buddy pass, served as a squad leader, and received an honorable discharge. He had an opportunity to travel to Okinawa Japan and to serve in Quantico, Virginia. While stationed in San Diego, Charles took a liking to the warm weather and remained there for several years after being discharged. In 1989, Charles decided to return to New York where he met Margaret Ann Small. On November 9, 1991, Charles and Margaret were united in marriage. It was the second marriage for both. From his first marriage, they shared two children, Charles Chase Payne and Pretti Sunnye Payne Johnson (Bennie).

Charles was always inquisitive and always wanted to learn more about God. While in California, he dedicated his life to the Lord and was baptized(immersed). Looking for a place to worship in New York, Charles came to New Life Ministries in Hempstead, New York under the leadership of Pastor Katherine Corbett. It was at New Life that he met his wife Margaret of 32 years. Charles was a great provider for his family, often working two jobs at times to ensure that all needs were met. It was his love for children that let him stay and retire with the New York City Board of Education. In 2015, they relocated to Williamsburg, Virginia. Charles loved to travel. If Margaret said “let's”, Charles said “go”. They took several cruises and enjoyed family and friends and even meeting new ones. His love for God and His people led him to serve in ministering with “On Eagle's Wings'', “Pray It Forward'', Pineapple Inn, and a local nursing home. He joined First Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Reginald Davis where he attended in person until the Pandemic of 2020. He then transitioned to virtual attendance. He loved his Monday card playing friends: Clarence, Minnie, Betty, Roland, Claudia, Ruth, Jeanne, and Steve. He loved you all.

He was also known as the Candy Man, blessing others with a sweet tooth. He also loved to dance, he loved a variety of music, and loved to engage in conversation. He was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2012. His work on this Earth was done and now Charles lives forever with our Lord.

Charles leaves to celebrate his life, love, and legacy: his devoted wife, Margaret; daughters, Kelly(Tony) Midgette, Raleigh, NC; Tiwana Vaughn, Williamsburg VA; Tanya Gibbs, Raleigh, NC; LaToya Nettles, Baltimore, MD; sister, Ada Martin(Charles)Somerset, NJ; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grands; a host of nieces and nephews; 7 sisters-in-love; 4 brothers-in-love: 6 godchildren.

Genesis 15:5 NIV “He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars if indeed you can count them. Then He said to him, So shall your offspring be.” Charles was a father indeed to many and YOU ALREADY KNOW: Dionne Jackson, Linda Anderson, Christina Patterson, Lauren Adebyo, Renee Fason, Tim Allen(son), Tammie Allen, Victoria Majors, Walter Strong, Shaun Isaac, and his Special Buddy - Sharon Wood-Dunn.

A visitation will take place at Nelsen Funeral Home, Williamsburg on Friday, March 1, 2024 from 11:00am to 1:00pm, with service beginning at 1:00pm, and a reception following.