David Owen Payne

Obituary of David Owen Payne
On Wednesday, March 26th, David Owen Payne took the hand of Jesus and walked into a bright, sunny day with family by his side. He is now at peace and reunited with his parents and other loved ones in heaven. Born June 23, 1963 at the US Embassy in Tehran, Iran to Dr. Henry Heine Payne, Jr and Imogene Smith Kennedy, David was a loving son, brother, husband, stepfather, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend. He attended the University of Florida and Loyola University New Orleans and received an AA Degree from Pensacola Junior College. He graduated from DeKalb College of Automotive Mechanics in Atlanta, GA at the top of his class. He received a prestigious scholarship to go to Detroit to develop new cars, but chose to return to his beloved Pensacola, FL. Becoming a Master Technician, David earned certifications from each of the five major American car manufacturers. He spent over 30 years working in the automotive industry.
David was a man of many talents: builder, creator, chef, swimmer, scuba diver, fisherman, boat captain, and science fair consultant in addition to Master Technician. He loved to teach everyone something. It could be how to cook a gumbo, fix a car, wire a light, build a hurricane maker, sail a boat, shoot a gun, or hook up his grandfather's model train set. It could be any bit of information from his encyclopedic knowledge of World War II. It could also be sharing his wealth of life experience when you needed advice or just to unload about your day. He was a ROCK when it came to friendship and family, willing to be there through thick and thin.
David was a fighter, always remaining positive and rolling with the punches that diabetes threw at him with his devoted wife Lisa by his side. Being a double amputee did not stop him from doing the things he loved. He never gave up on life; two days before his death he was standing for his PTs at his bedside, giving it his all to return home. Spending his life in Pensacola in or on the water, he often said that if you need to remember him, go to the beach!
He is survived by his loving wife Lisa Moore Payne; daughter Shannon Michelle Williams; sister Lisa Payne Altamirano; her husband, Victor Altamirano and their children: Julia, Olivia, and Victor; half sister, Nichole Payne; and other family members. Preceding him in death are his parents Dr. Henry H Payne, Jr and Imogene Smith Kennedy.
On Monday, April 7, 2025 at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 6305 N Blue Angel Parkway in Pensacola, visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the service will begin at 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life reception will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Seville Quarter.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Insulin for Life USA or your favorite charity.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Payne, please visit Tribute Store