Darrell Payne

Darrell Glenn Payne, age 66, of McCaysville, Georgia, passed away at his home Friday, February 20, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Born June 27, 1959, in Copperhill, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Carmon Clay Payne and Dorothy Earlene Wimberley Payne.
Darrell was of the Baptist faith and a graduate of Fannin County High School, Class of 1977.
Even before graduating, he began his career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with Sequoyah Trail Rescue Squad at the age of sixteen. He dedicated many years to EMS, serving Polk County, Whitfield County, Gilmer County, Cobb County, and Fannin County, as well as private ambulance services.
He served in many capacities with Fannin County EMS, including both EMS Director and EMS Deputy Director until his retirement after 38 years. His steady leadership and commitment to serving others left a lasting mark on his community.
Darrell enjoyed spending time in Pigeon Forge and at Jacks River, where he loved camping and fishing. Above all, he loved his family dearly, especially his pride and joy, Scarlett Payne.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jimmie Nell Duvall; and infant brother, Scott Henry Payne.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 16 years, Tammy Ledford Payne; children, Amanda Bogue (Christopher), Logan Pack (Lacey), Ethan Pack, Charissa Carter, Chris Wilson, and Scarlett Payne; grandchildren, Ethan Champion, Noah Bogue, Jonah Bogue, Ava Kate Bogue, Cayden Carter, Iris Penelope Pack, and Abigail Rose Pack; siblings, Danny Payne (Sandy), Darlene Stover, Denise Burk, Derrick Payne (Stacey), and Patricia Steele (Martin); several nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and dear friends.
Funeral services to honor the life of Darrell were held Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at noon from the Akins-Cobb Blue Ridge Chapel with the Rev. Gary Waters officiating. EMS memories were shared by Mr. Lonnie Oliver. Fannin County EMA rendered a last call.
Interment followed in the Mobile Baptist Church Cemetery with Randy Epperson, Bobby Long, Joey Cox, Ryan McDaris, Josh Curtis, and Britt Jones serving as pallbearers. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Robert Graham, Lonnie Oliver, Mike Adams, Jim Collis, William Wright, Jeff Hurd, and Larry Thomas.
The family visited with friends at the Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge Monday evening, February 23, 2026, from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com
Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge, Georgia, was in charge of these arrangements.