Benjamin Reid Payne

Benjamin Reid Payne, 82, passed away on the morning of September 15, 2017 at the Hospice Home on Chapel Hill Road.

Born in Burlington, NC, he was the son and only child of the late Mr. Benjamin A. and Mrs. Beulah W. Payne.

Ben was an alumnus of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and the University of Nevada, Reno, where he respectively earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in chemistry.  In the early 1970’s, Ben participated in ground breaking research on the bio magnification of DDT upon the food chain, which contributed toward the DDT ban and averting the bald eagle from extinction.  Following a successful professorship at the University of Nevada, Reno as a member of the biochemistry department, Ben returned home to North Carolina where he pursued gentleman farming and his love of the woods. One of Ben’s greatest joys was serving as a past President of the Alamance Wildlife Club as a Life Member; enhancing the environment and introducing people to nature and conservation management of our natural resources.

Ben is survived by his sons, Benjamin I. Payne of Greensboro, Robert A. Payne of Graham, and Matthew L. Payne of Darlington, MD.  Ben was preceded in death by his wife, Jane and their son, Anthony L. Payne of Fairbanks, AK.

Ben has many friends who enriched his life and provided support in these last years.  The family wishes to thank everyone who provided Ben with fellowship, care and kindness.

A memorial gathering will be held at Cedar Cliff United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Jimmy Wooten, officiating.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Alamance-Caswell, for the Hospice Home, at 918 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.

Ben’s family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Hospice Home for their loving care given to Ben during his stay there.

Rich & Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington is assisting the family.

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