James Ray Payne, 75, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at his home in Rock Hill.
Mr. Payne was born on October 3, 1949, to the late Gerald C. Payne and Edna McCarty Payne in Hot Springs, Arkansas. In his early life, he attended the University of South Carolina and graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree from Winthrop University. Mr. Payne proudly served his country in the United Sates Air Force. After his discharge, he worked as an entrepreneur and was passionate in performing many different roles in the automobile industry. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing with his children and grandchildren, supporting the gamecocks, playing golf, riding motorcycles, playing cards, and spending time with his pet bird, Harley. The family would like to make a special thanks to Via Hospice for their wonderful care over the past couple of weeks.
Mr. Payne is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Ruth “Angie” Payne; his sons, Gill Parker Payne (Sarah) and Brian Clifford Payne (Ginger); his sisters, Jeanne Blackburn (Jack), and Lynn Siddle (Terry); his grandchildren, Austin Payne, Anthony Payne, Addie Payne, Evan Payne, and Tyler Payne; and his daughter-in-law, Teresa Simon Belmont.
He was preceded in death by his late parents; and his son, James Douglas Payne.
A memorial service will be held for Mr. James Ray Payne at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1830 Celanese Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732. The family will receive friends immediately following the memorial service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, at www.stjude.org/donate, Via Health Hospice, at PO Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28247, OR to Covenant Presbyterian Church, at 1830 Celanese Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732.