Elbert Dayton Payne

1934 - 2009

Elbert Dayton (ED) Payne, 74, of Salem, Va. passed away Sunday, January 25, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born May 20, 1934 in Campbell County, Virginia and lived most of his life in the Roanoke area. Mr. Payne retired as a conductor after over 40 years of service with the Norfolk and Western and Norfolk Southern Railroad. He enjoyed listening to and watching Baseball, Football, Nascar Racing and following the stock market or having a good debate on any of the above. Some called him Dayton, some called him ED, his co-workers jokingly called him Misery, but all that were close to him called him friend, for he was a generous man with a big and giving heart. Mr. Payne was preceded in death by his wife, Donna, his mother, Ethel Mae Cash and sons, Kevin and Steven Payne. He is survived by his son, Barry Payne and wife Letha of Garner, N.C.; daughters, Rebecca Payne of Salem, Va., and Rachael Payne of Roanoke, Va.; brother, James (Mike) Cash and wife Judy of Roanoke, Va.; stepson, Jeffery (Mike) Hall of Culpepper, Va.; and his grandchildren; nieces; nephews; sisters in-law; and brothers in-law. Graveside services will be held Thursday January 29, 2009 at Evergreen Burial Park located at Summit Avenue and Brighton Road S.W., Roanoke, Va., 24015 at 3 p.m. The Reverend Frank Feather will officiate. There are no visitation times scheduled at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to and sent to the funeral home, benefiting the wishes of the family. Arrangements were made by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 318 W. Church Street SW, Roanoke, Va., 24016 (540) 982-2100.