John Howard Payne

John Howard Payne, age 90, of Clarkesville, Georgia went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 following a short illness.

Mr. Payne was born on April 6, 1927 in Cornelia, Georgia to the late Berkley and Vira Brewer Payne. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Edna McAllister, Alma Groom; brothers, Eddie Podmanicky; William Payne; and daughter, Jill Payne. Mr. Payne was a member of Habersham Baptist Church. He was a United States Navy Veteran having served his country during World War II, and was very active in the DAV and the American Legion. Mr. Payne was a retired auto parts salesman.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Terrell Payne, of Clarkesville; daughter and son-in-law, Kathy P. Mangano and Pete, of Ninety-Six, SC; son and daughter-in-law, Rev. Raymond H. Payne and Evelyn, of Cornelia; sister, Betty Zinke, of Cornelia; grandchildren, Chad Payne, Kent Payne, Ashley Bishop, Peter Mangano; and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 3:00 p.m., Thursday, September 7, 2017 at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel with Rev. Chad Payne and Rev. Doug Porter officiating. Interment will follow in Habersham Cemetery with military honors provided by the Rabun County DAV Post #15, the Grant-Reeves V.F.W. Post 7720, and the American Legion Post # 84.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to the funeral hour on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at the funeral home.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to The Rabun County DAV Post #15, 230 Fieldale Road, Toccoa, Georgia 30577 or to Habersham Baptist Church, 506 Habersham Mills Road, Demorest, Georgia 30535.

Arrangements are in care of Whitfield Funeral Home & Crematory, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia. 706-778-1700

Those wishing to express online condolences to the family may do so by visiting our website at www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.