Hugh Beckton Payne

Published 7:23 pm Thursday, March 3, 2016

Hugh Beckton Payne
March 2, 2016

Mr. Hugh Beckton Payne, 88, of 2069 McCaskey Road, Williamston, died March 2, 2016, after several years of failing health. Mr. Payne, the youngest of Charlie Lavender and Ola Mae Gibbs Payne’s five children, was born in the Lake Landing Community of Hyde County but grew up in the Octagon House in Fairfield. He was a graduate of Engelhard High School and a proud veteran of the Korean War where he served in the U.S. Navy. Mr. Payne retired from the N.C. Department of Transportation as an Inspector in 1976. One of his first assignments with the DOT was helping to build the first paved road, NC Highway 12, on the Outer Banks. His second career was as a Supervisor for the Town of Williamston, retiring in 1992.  Never one to sit still, Mr. Payne then worked for Dixie Motor Co. “running cars” to auctions in Kenly, NC, and Fredericksburg, VA, until he was sidelined by a stroke in 2011. He and his wife owned and operated Payne’s Forest Trailer Park from 1964-2014. He was a proud member of the Williamston Lions Club and received the Jack Stickley Fellow Award in 2010. Mr. Payne was a member of First Christian Church.  After his health made it impossible for him to attend, he enjoyed and looked forward to receiving communion at home and getting cards and visits, especially from the Martha Circle. He also loved watching Nascar racing and old John Wayne movies.

Mr. Payne was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 50 years, Janie West Payne in 2006, and his daughter Libby Payne in 1985, as well as his parents and siblings Della Payne, Charles Payne, Grace Payne Carper and Hazel Payne Martin.

Mr. Payne is survived by his daughters Alene Payne of Bear Grass, Trudy Payne Hunt and husband Travis of Williamston, and Kelly Payne Lucas of Wilson. His loving memory will forever be cherished by his beloved grandchildren, Katie Landry Shepherd and husband Mike of Bear Grass, Matt Kiricoples of Greenville, and Morgen Truesdale, Aidyn Truesdale and Sophia Lucas of Wilson. The light of Mr. Payne’s final years was his only great-grandchild, Liam Shepherd, who loved visiting his “Pop” several times each week. His constant companion for the last nine years was his faithful Boston terrier, Lucky. Mr. Payne also enjoyed the company of a special friend, Mary Mclendon of Elizabeth City, NC, during his final years. Other loving survivors include niece Jaqi Rogerson of Dade City, FL, and nephews Willie Rogerson and family of White Lake, NC, and Kevin Phelps and family of Bear Grass.

The Payne family is especially grateful for the loving care provided over the past several years by Virginia Peele and Katrina Peele, as well as Amedysis Hospice.  Virginia, Katrina and Mattie Clark of Amedysis loved our dad and truly became a part of our family.

The family will receive visitors at Walker Funeral Home in Williamston, on Friday March 4, 2016 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm and at other times at Mr. Payne’s home at 2069 McCaskey Rd., Williamston.  Funeral services will be held at the First Christian Church in Williamston on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 11:00 am with burial to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. The Rev. Jimmy Elks and the Rev. Dr. Deneen Glasco will officiate. Pallbearers will be Matt Kiriciples, Morgen Truesdale, Mike Shepherd and Willie Rogerson,

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.walkerfh.net.

Walker Funeral Home of Williamston is serving the Payne family.