Rayge Payne

CORNELIA – Retired CPO Rayge Blaton Payne, 83, died Thursday, June 18, 2009, at a private health care facility.

Born on February 3, 1926, in Cornelia, he was the son of the late Lemuel U. and Tressie Morris Payne. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, and was retired from the United States Navy after serving faithfully for 24 years in active service, including World War II, and six years in the reserves. He earned numerous medals and earned rank of Chief Petty Officer. Mr. Payne was preceded in death by sisters, Altia Gibson and Montine Chambers; and brothers, Bunyon Payne and Charles Payne.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Suggs Payne, Cornelia; daughter and son-in-law, Rosemary and Wayne Dail, Commerce; sons and daughters-in-law, Dale and Debbie Payne, Goose Creek, S.C., Ralph and Robin Payne, Winston; stepdaughter and husband, Elaine and James Simmons, Cornelia; sisters, Bonnie Loggins and Sara Anspach, both of Cleveland, Pashie Towery, Clarkesville, Mary Lomax, Alto; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three step grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 20, at 11 a.m., from the Whitfield Funeral Home with the Revs. Paul Morris and Lloyd Free officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church cemetery with the Rev. Kerry Payne officiating at the graveside. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, June 19, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 1294 Pea Ridge Rd., Cornelia, GA 30531.

Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.