Mr. Homer Ray Payne, 76, of Bimble, passed away Wednesday morning, March 8, 2023 at Baptist Health Corbin. He was the son of the late Garrett and Ethel Huddleston Payne born on April 27, 1946 in Barbourville.
Ray was the former co-owner and operator of Small Coal, local business man and driver for Commercial Carriers of Pontiac, Michigan. He was of the Baptist faith and a past deacon at Springfield Baptist Church. He was a member of Mountain Lodge 187 F & AM for 50 years and a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Ray enjoyed visiting with and making people laugh and would witness about Jesus to any and everyone he met. He also dearly loved spending time with his grandchildren.
On March 8, 1968, he united in marriage with Barbara Deaton and to this union three children were born.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Ralph Jason Payne and a sister, Lynn Payne Messer.
Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Barbara Payne of Bimble; two dearly loved children, Justin Payne and wife, Patti, and Sarah Wahlstedt and husband, Carlo, all of Barbourville; two sisters, Billie Smallwood of Corbin and Maggie Forester of Sandy Gap, TN; a brother, Ronnie Payne of Barbourville; cherished grandchildren, Corey and Noah Payne, Drew and Mara Wilson and Ephraim and Elizabeth Wahlstedt; among other loved ones and dear friends.
His funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Saturday, March 11 at 4 P.M. with Rev. Mike Helton officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Doolin Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Harry Mays, Fred Hensley, Eric Hubbard, Jeremy Bargo, Brian Frederick and Kenneth Barrett.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of the Dialysis Clinic Inc. of Corbin for always going above and beyond in their care.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Saturday after 2 P.M. until the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of HOMER RAY PAYNE.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
