Obituary of Elbert Webster Payne

Elbert Webster "Al" Payne, age 78, passed away on Sunday, January 23, after a long and brave battle with cancer. He was born January 16, 1944, to Taylor and Delia Payne (née Bohannon). He is proceeded in death by his parents; his sister, Gloria Jean; and his grandson, Caleb Sutton (Kristy). Al fought with courage and strength until the very end. His family is eternally grateful for how long he was able to hold on and the memories that they were able to continue to share. He is survived by his loving wife of thirty years, Billie Jean Payne, of Sewanee, TN; brother, Norman Payne (Carolyn), of South Pittsburg, TN; sister, Helen Taylor (James), of Monteagle, TN; daughter, Karen White (Dennis) of Estill Springs, TN; daughter, Tammy Wilbanks of Trenton, TN; daughter, Kristy Grindstaff (Steven), of Candler, NC; son, Jeremy Payne (Shelley) of Guyton, GA; son, William Payne of Brooklet, GA; step-daughters, Tabitha Lowery, of Cookeville, TN, and Samantha Howell, of Dunlap, TN; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. For many years, Al worked as a carpenter. He was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local Union 74 in Hixson, TN. In his retirement, he used his free time to volunteer his skills to help others. He loved big, and would do anything he could to help those he cared about. The world is missing an angel, but heaven has gained one. Please join us for visitation on Friday, January 28, from 4 pm – 8 pm CST and Saturday, January 29 from 4 pm – 8 pm CST at Reed Funeral Home, 11675 TN-28, Whitwell, TN 37397. Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com. We will celebrate his life on Sunday, January 30, at 2 pm CST in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Steven Grindstaff and Pastor Norman Payne officiating. He will be laid to rest at Whitwell Memorial Cemetery.