Mike Payne

Panther Creek Community, Mike Payne, age 68, passed away on Monday, July 11, 2022, at Duke University Hospital.

A native of Haywood County, he was a son of the late Johnny and Edith Earley Russell.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by great-granddaughter, Raelynn Boone; sister, Libby Sutton; two brothers, Shorty and Roger Payne.  Mike was a member, deacon and watched over the cemetery of Panther Creek Baptist Church.  He worked with American Enka for 12 years, was a propane service technician for 21 years and worked on maintenance crew for the department of transportation for nine years.  Mike enjoyed reading his bible, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.

Mike is survived by his wife of 50 years, Charlene Green Payne; daughter, Donna Best (Greg); son, Michael Payne, Jr. (Tammy); five sisters, Donna Greene (Lowell), Sandra Beasley (Tommy), Wanda Messer, Kelly Bearden and Debra Mathis; two brothers, Doug Payne (Joyce) and David Payne; four grandchildren, Kandace Best, Hunter Payne (Abby), Kristin Best and Caleb Best (Jessica); four great-grandchildren, Walker, Maddie, Sadie and Charlie; and a grand dog, Murphy.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at Panther Creek Baptist Church with Reverend Ronald Greene officiating.  Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the church.  Serving as pallbearers will be Hunter and Michael Payne, Charlie and Bill Teague, Greg Best and Greg Price.  Honorary pallbearers will be Terry Finger, Rex Norton, Kenny and Ricky Green, Doug Payne, Tommy Beasley and Lowell Greene.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Panther Creek Baptist Church, Hardship Fund, c/o Howard Messer, 132 Van Arrington Road, Clyde, NC 28721.

The care of Mr. Payne has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.