Jerry Payne

On Saturday, September 19, 2020, Jerry Lee Payne also affectionately known as Harry, our brother, uncle, cousin and friend passed away at the age of 64.

Jerry was born on April 13, 1956, in Thomasville, North Carolina to Willis and Frankie Payne. He attended Church Street School, the school designated for the African American residents of Thomasville, NC. Jerry eventually decided to be of service for the United States government. He joined the Army, and now shares the title of Army Veteran with thousands of United States citizens. Post military service Jerry worked for Kaby Mills and Thomas Company.

Jerry was an avid Carolina Panthers fan. Every Sunday you could expect Jerry to be watching the Panthers play. He often watched the games with his longtime and family friend Robert Thompson. Win or lose, Jerry was usually wearing his Carolina Panthers’ hat and t-shirt.

When Jerry was not watching football, you could find him somewhere talking and laughing with friends. He loved to laugh. He was known for his quick wit, his private demeanor, and his kind and fun-loving spirit. Jerry loved to eat also. Those pig ears with Texas Pete hot sauce were his favorite, and when the pig ears could not be found Jerry was eating his sweets. Cakes of all kinds were Jerry’s preference. His friend, Fatboy, can attest to Jerry’s affection for food. They went out for breakfast every morning.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Willis, his mother, Frankie and his brothers, Willis and Ronnie. He is survived by his siblings Maxine, Willie Jean (Charles), Raymond (Patricia), Mary Catherine (Robert) and several nieces, nephews and cousins.