John Payne

John Bob Payne, age 91, died Friday morning, September 12, 2014, at his home in Newport following a short illness. He was born at home in Germantown, Tennessee on April 2, 1923, the youngest of five children of Bryan Cleveland Payne and his wife, the former Florence Lavendar. The family later moved to Memphis, where he graduated from Messick High School. After working for a short time at a cotton company, he was drafted into the United States Army Air Corps and served his country in the European Theatre during World War II. He was a former POW. Prior to leaving for service, he married Jacqueline Norfolk, and after his discharge from service, the young couple moved to Mississippi where they enrolled at Mississippi State. He later worked as a commercial painter for the railroad. After returning to Germantown, the couple operated a country store for about five years, after which he became a rural route mail carrier, a job he held for about 30 years. He was a member, deacon, and elder of Germantown Presbyterian Church. For many years, he was active in sporting circles, coaching baseball and basketball. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing and was especially fond of his many dogs. In 2000, the Paynes moved to Newport and later joined Fellowship Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed golfing at Smoky Mountain Country Club and carving, especially animals and fish. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife in 2009 and by one brother and three sisters: Florence Payne Banes, Bryan 'Billy' Payne, Sueanne Payne Bartlett, and Aline Payne. His immediate survivors include his daughter and son-in-law Jackie and Dr. A. J. Garbarino of Newport; two grandsons Angelo James 'Jake' Garbarino III and wife Sarah of Dallas, Texas and Dr. Judson Payne Garbarino and wife Elizabeth of Asheville, NC; five grandchildren: Mary Grace Garbarino, Caroline Garbarino, Guy Garbarino, Amelia Garbarino, and Isaac Payne Garbarino; and seven nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at Fellowship Presbyterian Church on Monday, September 15, 2014, from 6:30-7:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow with Rev. Jim Loftis officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are Rick Buckner, Tommy Smith, Nathan Ford, Judge Porter, Bill Eldridge and Randy Tucker. Burial will be in Centerhill Cemetery, Centerhill, Mississippi on Wednesday, September 17, 2014. Memorial gifts may be made to the Newport/Cocke County Museum, 1501 Golf Course Road, Newport, TN 37821. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at www.manesfuneralhome.com. Manes Funeral Home in charge

John Payne

April 2, 1923 - September 12, 2014