Johnny Payne

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Johnny Payne, age 85 of Blytheville passed from this life on Monday, September 10, 2018 at his home in Blytheville.

Born to William Henry and Louella Mae Tate Payne in Blytheville, he was a lifelong resident and a member of the North 10th Street Baptist Church. Johnny served his country with honor in the U.S. Army and was a retired Roll Mill Operator with Nucor Yamoto Steel Corporation. Johnny loved Christian music and loved to sing which was evident by his serving as past music director at North Tenth Street Baptist Church and also assisted other churches in the area by serving as music director also. He was a devoted Christian whose love for Christ was reflected by his love for family and friends. It was also this love that made him such a devoted husband, father and “Pawpaw” (grandfather and great grandfather). In his “spare time”, Johnny loved to work in his yard and to do landscaping.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents; brothers; Wayne Payne, Robert Payne and sisters; Harriett Seiford, Virginia Duncan, Doris Williams and Wilma Payne.

Johnny is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Betty Sue Lauderdale Payne of the home; daughter and son in law, Susanne and James “Thumper” McDowell of Burdette, Arkansas; grandchildren, Chas Campbell and his wife Madison, Colin Campbell and great grandchild Drake Campbell; brother and sister in law, Russell and Helen Payne of Blytheville; sister in laws, Loretta Payne of Dell, Arkansas, Mary Frances Young of Greenwood, Mississippi; brother in law, Clark Williams of Metropolis, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Max Briley officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery and the family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cobb Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.