Donald Edward Payne

Donald Edward Payne, 73, of Sims, North Carolina passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones at UNC Chapel Hill after a brief battle with a rare heart condition. He was born in Newfoundland, Canada on June 10, 1951, to Donald O. and Dallas Payne. 

 Being raised on an Airforce Base, he joined the United States Air Force after high school, where he served his country with honor and pride for 12 active years. After service he earned his Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Wayne Community College and his Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from East Carolina University. Don worked as a Registered Nurse in both Wayne and Wilson Counties and retired from Wilson Medical Center in May 2019 after sixteen years of service. After retiring from nursing, Don worked with the Town of Sims as a maintenance worker and Chairman of numerous committees including the Planning Board, Zoning Committee, and Social/Event Committee. 

 Don was not only generous in life, but also in death as an organ donor. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, photography, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on the Carolina Tarheels. 

 He is survived by his loving wife of nineteen years, Rhonda; sisters, Shannon Watkins and husband, Brian of Michigan and Heather Dee Webster and husband, Steve of Tennessee; brother, Sean Payne of Texas; father and mother-in-law, David and Annie Ruffin of Sims; sister-in-law, Beverly Lewis and husband, Gary of Bailey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Joe Payne of Michigan.

 A visitation will be held at the Payne home on Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. followed by a short memorial service officiated by Chaplain Phil Baucom.

 In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be directed to the Middlesex Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 249, Middlesex, North Carolina 27557. 

 Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.