Larry Alvin Payne

Mr. Larry Alvin Payne, age 74 of Demorest, passed away on Monday, April 18, 2016 at his residence following an extended illness.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 from 5 - 8 pm at the funeral home.

Mr. Payne was born December 10, 1941 in Augusta, Georgia to the late Alvin Payne and Ruth Smith Payne.  He graduated South Hall High School, then attended Clemson University, University of Georgia and graduated from Brenau University.  Lifelong interest in Boy Scouts, attaining rank of Eagle Scout.  In later years, he was a Scout Master and coached Little League Baseball.  Larry loved planes, which began with lessons in his teen years and owned planes most of his life until ill health forced him to give up flying.  He held a Twin-Engine License.  Larry was drafted into the Army in early 1966 and attended O.C.S.  Larry volunteered for Vietnam and was stationed in Korea where he was instrumental in getting power to a village near his camp that had never had power before.  He was asked to flip the ceremonial switch to turn the power on and was very proud of that.  Larry was honorably discharged in 1969 with the rank of 1^st Lieutenant.  He returned to Gainesville and worked as an Industrial Engineer for Milliken at the Gainesville Mill Plant for many years.  In the early 1970’s, he and his brother-in-law partner, Bennie Hewett bought their first mobile home park.  Over the years they bought 3 more and Larry left work to manage them.  He worked until his health forced his retirement. Larry moved from Gainesville to Demorest in 1998. He was a member of River Road Mission Church in Demorest and served as Choir Director and Board of Trustees.  Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, Willie C & Claudia Smith and his brother, Philip A. Payne.

Mr. Payne is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jody Taylor Payne of Demorest, daughter, Joni Suzanne Payne of Atlanta, son, L. Alan Payne of Demorest, grandchildren, Ashley (Mrs. Marc) Lofton of Winder, Addison Lofton of Winder and McKinley Lofton of Winder, sister & brother-in-law, Linda (James Winfred) Little of Oakwood, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives, beloved friend of 70 years, Richard (Sandra) Hulsey of Demorest and dear friends, Mark & Glenda Taylor of Cleveland.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.