John Payne

1945 - 2025

John Payne

Born: April 4, 1945 | Died: December 21, 2025

John Luther Payne, 80, a lifelong resident of Boone, died peacefully at home on December 20, 2025, while holding his sweetheart's hand and surrounded by family. His passing came just one week after receiving a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, a devastating experience that he faced with his characteristic bravery and humor. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and an entirely smitten great-grandfather. He was a musician, businessman, community leader, "the people's grandpa," friend to all, and to his core a very good man.

Born on April 25, 1945, to Frank Mast Payne and Ellen Matthews Payne, John quickly excelled at getting into mischief with his older brother, Frank, his cousins, and friends. John attended Lucy Brock (with Lucy Brock as his teacher), Appalachian Elementary, and Appalachian High School. In 1961, John invited the new girl at school, Pat, to the St. Patrick's Day dance, and they have been together ever since.

As a high school junior, John transferred to Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama, where he completed high school, earned an associate degree, and was selected Brigade Commander as the top student in the school. John and Pat were married in 1967, and they both attended the University of Tennessee (Knoxville). John was active in ROTC and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in finance. The couple moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where John fulfilled his military service at the U.S. Army Finance Center. After returning to Boone, John joined his father and brother in the family business, Payne Insurance Agency. This business, founded by John's grandfather, Andy Payne, continues into the fourth generation as Payne Financial Services, Inc., under the leadership of his son, Andrew.

In the community, John was active in the Jaycees, the Boy Scouts, and he served as president of the Kiwanis Club. After surviving kidney cancer at the age of 38, he volunteered with the American Cancer Society and helped to establish the local branch of Hospice in Watauga County. For years, he loved playing golf with his many friends. Later, he put down his putter and picked up his old guitar, expanding his ever-growing circle of friends. He quickly became an ambassador for bluegrass and old-time music, encouraging people young and old to pick up an instrument and join the Jam.

Above all, John was a family man. He gave his heart to Pat when they were teenagers and loved her unconditionally until his final breath. Together they raised three children and mentored five grandchildren, whom John taught by his example to be headstrong, honest, empathetic, and good stick-shift drivers. In all things, he strove to teach his family the skills they would need to pursue any path they chose, and then he supported them and humbly cheered each success as though he'd played no part in making it possible.

John is survived by Pat Payne, his wife of fifty-eight years; three children: Cinda Payne-Smith (Scott Smith) of Boone; Lee Payne of Crumpler; and Andrew Payne (Carrie Streeter) of Boone; five grandchildren: Bess Denis (Chris Denis) of Durham; Carter Smith (Molly Campell) of Durham; Eliot Smith (Julia Friedrich), Nora Smith, and Hank Smith all of Boone; and one great-grandchild: Maggie Denis of Durham. Also surviving are brother-in-law Bruce Oland (Penny Oland) of Raleigh; nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ellen Payne, and brother, Frank Payne, Jr.

The family will hold a private burial at the Boone City Cemetery, where John was a longtime trustee. A celebration of John's life will be held at The Jones House in Boone on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 2:00-5:00 pm.

All who knew and loved John are invited. His friends and family are welcome to bring their instruments and join the Jam.

The family wholeheartedly thanks the nurses and staff of Amorem-Hospice for their compassionate care of John during his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in his name to Amorem (902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645; https://www.amoremsupport.org/donate) or to the Junior Appalachian Musician (JAM) program (P.O. Box 44, Independence, VA 24348; https://jamkids.org/johnpayne).

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.