James Payne

James Payne, 59 of Morganton, NC died Friday, April 27, 2012 at his residence following a period of declining health. Born in Madison County, NC on September 29, 1952, he was a son of the late Isaac Francis Payne and Georgia Marie Greene Payne. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. James was a dedicated teacher in the McDowell County Schools. He taught Junior High through college classes. He was a member of Burkemont Baptist Church and was involved in many church activities. James was an avid beekeeper and was owner and operator of Natures Perfect Candy. He enjoyed genealogical research. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Edward Payne and sisters, Nina Mae Payne and Shirley Ledford.Surviving are his wife, Linda Kay Fish Payne of the home; a son, Michael Payne and his wife, Sarah of Valdese; a daughter, Ann-Marie Payne Samuelson and her husband, Robert of Waynesville, NC; grandchildren, Ethany and Hannah Payne; brothers, Robert Payne and Lee Payne both of Hot Springs, NC, and Charles Payne of Waynesville, NC; and sisters, Ethel Rathbone and Joyce Gosnell both of Hot Springs, Mary Worley of Marshall, NC, Betty Roberts of Morganton, and Debbie Smith of Waynesville.The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at Burkemont Baptist Church with Dr. David Mills and Rev. Eddy Bunton officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Rev. Charley Bradley officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. At other times the family will be at the home of the son, Michael Payne, 816 Berry Ave., SE, Valdese.In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690 or to Burkemont Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, 4668 Burkemont Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family.