AMERICUS — Mr. Tommy Ray Payne, age 79, of Preston, died on May 6, 2018, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. Mr. Payne was born March 21, 1939, in Chatsworth, Ga., the son of the late Cecil and Chassie Payne. He was a retired farmer who raised crops, cattle and other farm related items. Mr. Payne was the former County Extension Agent in Webster and Seminole counties, a former City Councilman in Preston, was on the Board of Tax Assessors in Webster County, and Greenfield Academy school board. He received his bachelor’s of science in agriculture degree from the University of Georgia in 1963, and was on their livestock judging team and then received his master’s degree in agriculture from Auburn University. He also was an avid fisherman, enjoyed hunting, and was a history buff.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at Preston Baptist Church with the Rev. Robert Orr, the Rev. Raymond Smith, and the Rev. Chris Hess officiating; burial will follow in the Preston City Cemetery. The family will receive friends between the hours of 5 and 7 p.m. on Monday evening at Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel.

Mr. Payne is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dorothy Payne, of Preston; one daughter, Samantha Payne Willis, of Americus; two sons and daughters-in-law, Andy and Lori Payne of Weston, and Brian and Jennifer Payne of Parrott. Also surviving are two sisters, Loraine Payne Matthews of Chatsworth, and Ann Payne Walden of Crandall; and five grandchildren, Olivia Payne, Trey Robinson, Sydney Payne, Mikayla Willis, and Jameson Payne.

 

In addition to his parents, Mr. Payne was preceded in death by one sister, Katherine Payne Reynolds.

 

Pallbearers will include Trey Robinson, Zack Bivins, and the deacons of Preston Baptist Church. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Grimsley, David Lawrence, Bud Bone, Phil Addy, Thomas Walker, and Bobby Rogers.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to Preston Baptist Church, 6677 Cass St, Preston Ga 31824, or The American Diabetes Association 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900 Arlington, VA 22202.

 

Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.