Ervin Gray Payne

On Sunday, September 5, 2021, Ervin Gray Payne passed away at Alamance Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Levi & Virginia Payne, as well as an infant sister, Kathy and 2 half-sisters, Elsie and Mae.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 50 years, Janet Clapp Payne. He leaves behind 2 children Bryan Payne & wife, Elizabeth and Megan Payne & fiancé Dustin Sloop. He had 3 grandchildren, Taylor Payne, Jake Payne & Hunter Harrison all of which he loved more than life itself.

He is also survived by 4 sisters, 2 brothers, nieces, nephews, in-laws and countless other family members whom he loved dearly.

Ervin retired from Lorillard Tobacco Company in 2016 after working tirelessly for 44 years. His favorite job however, was being a Pawpaw and enjoying horseback riding with Taylor, or watching Jake play baseball. He was fondly known as the “Barn Grandpa” around Megan’s Stable, The Equestrian Preserve at Homestead.

Fireball, as he was sometimes called, could always be found in one of the following places; on the back of his Goldwing, on the back of a horse, or in the seat of his tractor. He was always happy as he worked on his family farm, where his projects were never ending.

Ervin loved people. He was very well known in his community for being a kind, gentle, and giving soul. He loved Jesus, as well as his church and he always took advantage of any opportunity to witness to others about Christ’s love.

Visitation will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on September 8, 2021 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Backpacks of Hope Ministry at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, P.O. Box 280, Alamance, NC 27201.

 

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