Jack Dempsey Payne aka "Grandpa Jack" passed away Saturday, August 9, 2014 at the age of 70. He was a resident of Hoschton but was loved by friends around the world. He had a kind, generous spirit, a quick wit, and a love of laughter. He always had a colorful story ready to bring a smile to your face. Jack was a man of many interests and talents. As a founding member of the Peach State Serama Club, he worked to promote the American Serama poultry breed throughout the United States. Jack worked with the management of every Poultry show in Georgia to establish Table Top showing at their venue. So, if you're ever at a chicken show in Georgia and watch people setting little birds down on a table and letting them walk around in front of a Judge, you are able to enjoy that sight because of Grandpa Jack. He was the "old man in the beard and overalls" that people would make special efforts to meet because they had enjoyed his internet posts so much. He mentored new enthusiasts in the hobby, sharing his wisdom, experience and encouragement. Jack, "May you forever hear the roosters crowing." In the Dog world, Jack won the American Staffordshire Terrier National Specialty Show in 1981 as an Owner/Handler. Now, 33 years later, he was still a respected authority on the breed with American Staffordshire Terrier breeders from as far away as Australia contacting him for advice on breeding and handling their dogs. Jack coached Softball at Dacula Park and for his granddaughter's Dacula Lady Falcon's traveling softball team. Grandpa Jack was well known in the Softball community and loved by all of the girls who played for him over the years. He took pride in teaching them, not just the mechanics of hitting and throwing, but the strategy behind the game. His girls learned to play with their hands, their hearts and their heads. Professionally, Jack was an Interior Trim Carpenter with a reputation for superior craftsmanship and customer service. When he asked one customer how she wanted something done she responded "I don't know Jack, just do your magic." Jack was a magic man with a magnetic personality. He lived his life by the guideline "Try to do something nice for someone today but if you can't do something nice, try not to do them harm." He encouraged people to "Make sure that special one in your life knows just how special they are. Do not take them for granted, a simple I love you will make both of you feel good" A very special man is gone from this world but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Jack was survived by his wife Pamela Payne; sons Jesse Payne, Shawn Payne and wife Jennifer; daughter Therese Stansell; brothers James Payne and wife Elnora, Donald Payne, David Payne and Daniel Payne; sisters Dorothy Scarborough, Martha Grimsley, Mary Roberts, Alice Clark and husband Ron; grandchildren Amber White and husband Freddy, Matthew Barton, Jasmine Payne, Tyler Payne, Amanda Payne and Alex Payne; great grandchildren Logan Barton and Trace White. He is preceded in death by his brother Hubert Payne; sister Helen Payne and grandson Brian Payne. Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53, Hoschton, GA, 30548, www.lawsonfuneralhome.org, 706-654-0966.
