In loving memory of

Gene Allen Payne
March 10, 1932 - March 8, 2020

GENE ALLEN PAYNE passed away on March 8, 2020. Born in Fountain City, Tennessee to Charles and Lucinda Payne, Gene was the last surviving member of the Payne family of seven sons and one daughter. He lived his entire life in the Fountain City community he loved. He was a member of Fountain City United Methodist Church. Gene attended Fountain City Grammar School, graduated from Central High School and the University of Tennessee. His degree from UT College of Business in the field of transportation led to his life's career. He served his country as First Lieutenant in the United States Army. He was East Tennessee Assistant Regional Director from the State Department of Industrial Development and for many years was a volunteer arbitrator for the Knoxville Better Business Bureau, where he was honored as Arbitrator of the Year.
Fountain City will remember Gene as a Little League baseball coach, volunteer with the Central High football program, and as an active participant in the political life of Knox County. He enjoyed many opportunities for world travel.
Gene is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jean Dobbins Payne, many cherished nieces and nephews, special sister-in-law Sharon Dobbins Johnson and husband Charlie Johnson, special friends Tom and Charlotte Schumpert, and special classmate Wendell Smith.
Interment and Celebration of Life service will be private. Friends may call at their convenience at Gentry Griffey Chapel. Memorials may be made in Gene's memory to the Scholarship Fund at Fountain City United Methodist Church, 212 Hotel Road, Knoxville, TN 37918 or by simply performing an act of kindness in his memory. Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Payne family and invites you to view and sign the online registry.

Tributes

Dudley Hancock wrote on Mar 12, 2020:

"Mrs Payne, You are in our hearts and prayers. Dudley Hancock CHS 71"

Gordon Sisk wrote on Mar 11, 2020:

"Prayers lifted for you and yours."

Tony and Margie McFarland wrote on Mar 11, 2020:

"My wife and I met Gene and Jean at Starbucks and grew to care for them as dear friends. We enjoyed talking with about traveling, sports (especially NCAA basketball) and many other subjects. May God bless you Gene. You were a dear friend. May God grant you peace and comfort Jean."

Mike Watkins and Pat Watkins wrote on Mar 11, 2020:

"Jean, thinking of you."

Tim Lawson wrote on Mar 10, 2020:

"I can't recall all of my teammates names but I do remember my coach, Mr. Gene Payne."

Janet Hayes Phillips wrote on Mar 10, 2020:

"Gene was a great man. Fairminded, generous, and charming. His kind are few . Always enjoyed seeing Jean and Gene at restaurants or grocery shopping. Love you both. Janet Hayes Phillips and Billie Joe Phillips"

Doug Coram wrote on Mar 10, 2020:

"REST IN PEACE MR. GENE PAYNE. Condolences Ms JEAN PAYNE. The PAYNEs  ARE CHS/ FOUNTAIN CITY. FOREVER. From : Class of ?77 Doug Coram "

Laree A. Hensley wrote on Mar 10, 2020:

"Mrs. Payne, I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your husband. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Fountain City won't be the same without him!! Laree A. Hensley"

Doug Coram wrote on Mar 10, 2020:

"REST IN PEACE MR. GENE PAYNE. Condolences Ms JEAN PAYNE. The PAYNEs  ARE CHS/ FOUNTAIN CITY. FOREVER. From : Class of ?77 Doug Coram "