Mr. Claude Payne, 80, of 7121 Ridge Rd. departed this world and entered into his heavenly home on Tuesday, March 3, 2015.

After being employed with Hugh Puff for many years, he then retired from Sun Chemical after 20 years of service. He was a dedicated and proud member of Sacrifice of Praise Temple, Inc. where he served in various positions such as head of the Trustee Board, Deacon Board, Men's Outreach Board, and the Building and Maintenance Upkeeping Group.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vinson and Eva Payne; two brothers, Early M. Payne and Samuel L. Payne; one sister, Shirley Payne Myers; two children, Glaude Terry Payne and Jefferylee Spencer Payne; and two grandchildren.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories his wife of 59 years, Runetta Hickman Payne; three daughters, Bishop Nancetta (Chris, Sr.) Myers, Araminta (Kit) Hood, and Tammy Payne all of W-S, NC; four sons, Joye (Daisy) Payne of W-S, NC, Rex Payne of Tobaccoville, NC, Reco Payne of Greensboro, NC, and Marco (Evette) Payne of Pfafftown, NC; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Ruth Payne (Edward) Gary, Nellie Payne Joyner, and Louise Payne Givens all of W-S, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Monday, March 9, 2015 at Center Grove AME Zion Church. Interment will follow in the Center Grove AME Zion Church Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 1:00pm until 2:00pm on Monday at the Church.