Wallace Dale Payne

On the evening of June 28, 2024, our beloved Uncle Dale left CarePartners Solace Center to rest in the arms of his Lord and Savior and reunite with his precious mother and three sisters, whom he dearly missed. Born on May 23, 1947, in Buncombe County to J.B. and Lucille Lovin Payne, Dale was predeceased by his parents and sisters he has longed to see Barbara, Carolyn, and Cleta.

Dale is survived by his brother Ralph Payne; nieces and nephews Robin, Rhonda, Jim, Tonya, Lori, and Eric; great-nieces and nephews Nathan, Natasha, Nicholette, Kaleb, Meghan, Brijette, Kira, Justin, Kassidy, and Lily; and great-great-nieces and nephews Hadden, Hailey, Lillabelle, Taylor, Shylah Rose, Harper, and Timber. He is also survived by numerous cousins, whom he loved dearly.

Despite facing some challenges of disability, Dale was a gem whose light touched everyone who took the time to know him. His guarded and occasionally grouchy exterior would readily give way to reveal him to be loyal, kind, and gentle - all traits matched only by his sense of humor! His smiles were rare, lighting up his whole being, a privilege for anyone fortunate enough to witness it!

Dale retired from BI-LO after 43 years of dedicated service. After retirement, he took pride in working around his home on Morgan Cove Road and helping his mother. He also built lovely trinkets, from rocking chairs to bird houses using his eye for simple creativity to bring delight to others. Dale was a devoted son and a hard worker, embodying the values of dedication and perseverance.

A cherished member of Ridgeway Baptist Church, Dale loved his Lord. He spent the last three years of his life at Pisgah Manor, where he was affectionately called "the mayor" by the staff and residents. In his final year, he was cared for by Four Seasons Hospice, and his final week at CarePartners Solace Center receiving the love and support he had always given to others.

Dale had many friends and was loved by all who knew him. He had a unique ability to make you feel seen and appreciated. He would share anything he had and always wanted to be with people he loved. His life, though marked by challenges, was a testament to the beauty of a kind and gentle spirit. Uncle Dale’s legacy of love, loyalty, and laughter will forever be cherished by his family and friends.

A funeral service to honor Dale will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 5, 2024, in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Mike Leslie and Reverend Jack W. Collins officiating. Burial will follow at Pisgah View Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ridgeway Baptist Church, 525 Old Highway 19/23, Candler, NC 28715, or Four Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731, or CarePartners Solace Center, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813. 

 The care of Mr. Payne has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com