Nov. 20, 1945 - Oct. 5, 2024
Thomas M. Payne, Jr. returned to Mother Earth on October 5, 2024.
He was born November 20, 1945, in Columbus, GA to Thomas M. Payne, Sr. and Janie Knight Payne.
He grew up in southern Alabama, Cincinnati and Atlanta and graduated from Briarcliff High School in 1965.
Tom met his wife Jan in August of 1965, married in June of 1966, and set out on a unique journey that would find them nestled in the woods of Jones County.
Not one to take the easy path, he set out to build a life for his family centered around appreciation of nature and the sciences.
He excelled as a general contractor and superintendent but found time to share his love of hiking the Appalachian Trail with his children, further instilling appreciation for “the woods.” He was community- conscious, very active with door-to-door fundraising efforts as a founding member of Tri-Community Vol. Fire department and took a special interest in local politics.
He was schooled as a master carpenter who left his mark on many buildings in central Georgia.
His love of photography permeated his life from high school taking various forms including aerial, competition, family photos and artistic works. Tom never met a stranger and would tell you anything you wanted to know about everything. His extensive knowledge of alternative energy was woven into the Payne lifestyle, and he was a conservationist at heart.
He held strong interest in music, history, world events and teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren about it all.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years Jan W.
Payne; children, Misty Payne-Jones (Dan) and Thomas Payne, III (Tonya); grandchildren, Carrie Howell (Kyle), Lloyd Bishop (Kayla), Stephen Payne (Sara) and Stephanie Payne & Mara Grant; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Mylan, Loki, McKinley, Karli & Jaxon; sister, Angela Evans (Tommy) and brother, Kenneth Whitehead (Deborah); niece, Judy Hamby Bryan (Scott) and nephew, David Hamby (Michelle); and many loved nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
The family asks if you feel inclined, that donations be made to Pine Pointe Hospice, 6261 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 or Salvation Army, 1955 Broadway, Macon GA 31206.
Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.graymemorialchapel. com.
