John Wesley Payne Jr., 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Stephens on Feb. 9, 2025. Family members were present at his side.
John was born Sept. 7, 1936 in DeKalb County, Georgia. He graduated from Southwest DeKalb High School in 1954. He married the love of his life Nancy Jo Childs Payne in 1956. He served in the Georgia National Guard from 1956-1958.
He graduated from Southern Poly Tech, working at Sockwell and Majestic Mechanical prior to starting his own commercial mechanical contracting company. In 1970, Payne started the John Payne Company.
His company is still operating 55 years later with the second and third generations of the family.
Payne loved to farm and worked most of his free time creating a legacy place for family and friends to gather. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Payne was a believer in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Nancy Jo Childs Payne, son Mark Anthony Payne (Dana Payne), daughter Laura Payne McTier (Scott McTier), grandchildren Matthew Wesley McTier (Regan McTier), Casey Jo Payne Stiles (Parker Stiles), Hannah McTier Goza (David Goza), David Grayson McTier (Carson McTier), Callie Ann Payne, Cody Calvin Payne (Amber Payne), and eight great-grandchildren: Ellie Scott McTier, Charlotte Elizabeth McTier, Mary Grayson McTier, Caroline Emerson McTier, Walker Barrington Stiles, Dawson Ned McTier, Riley Jo Stiles and John Wesley McTier, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents John Welsey Payne Sr. and Enid Cook Payne, Nannie Kate Thompson (sister), Robert Jack Payne (brother), Tommy Cook Payne (brother) and Nellie Jo Folds (sister).
Visitation will take place at McCommons Funeral Home (109 W. Broad St., Greensboro) from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13. Serving as pallbearers are Allen Thompson, Brian Payne, Steve Payne, Wesley Folds, Jake Brogan, Brad Wyzkowski and Craig Brogan.
A celebration of his life will take place at the family farm (1354 Union Point Road, Stephens) at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14.
The family requests any memorials be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 or Samaritan’s Purse, P. O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.
A fellowship will follow his service at the farm.
McCommons Funeral Home in Greensboro is in charge of arrangements.