Steven Jason Payne, Sr.

         Mr. Steven J. Payne, Sr., age 63 of Stuart, passed away on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Novant Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  He was born in Martinsville on September 16, 1957, and was preceded in death by his father, Gentry Payne.  Mr. Payne served in the United States Army.  He was a member of First Christian Church where he served as a deacon, financial officer and head musician for the choir.  He loved singing and playing the guitar.  He was also instrumental in starting the Home Alone Meals at First Christian Church with the help of Rev. Jim Churchwell, and lovingly did this for over ten years.  He worked for C.P. Films/Eastman Company for over 20 years.  Steve loved life and was always happy.  Even when in pain, he wore a smile. 

         Mr. Payne is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Greta Houchins Payne of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Maggie Houchins of Stuart; Steven Jason Payne, Jr. and Krista Lawson Payne of Lawsonville, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Briana Cannoy Houchins, Lyric Houchins and Kingston Artis Payne; his mother, Barbara Edwards Payne of Ridgeway; one brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Renee “Nobby” Payne of Ridgeway; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, all who loved “Crazy” Steve. 

         Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart with Rev. James Houchins presiding.  Burial will follow in the Spencer/Redd Family Cemetery in Horsepasture.    Military rites will be conducted by the Patrick County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard.  A wake will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com

         Memorial Tribute:

Yes, life changes and feelings change but the LOVE is always there.

         I think of the LOVE that God placed in Steve Payne’s heart. That LOVE shined in everything he did and was. He had a LOVE of God’s word and loved to sing his praises. He had a LOVE of family; he loved being a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. All you had to do was look on his face or in his eyes and see that LOVE shine. Steve enjoyed life and wanted everyone else to enjoy life too; he loved telling jokes and making people laugh. He would even laugh at his own jokes to add in the enjoyment.
         Steve's laughter and joy was contagious. Steve may not even have known all the people that he touched and led the example for; but he did. He was a great example of when he was weak, God was strong. He finished his race strong and he got to hear those words that everyone longs to hear. WELCOME HOME MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. Even though he may not be here, the seeds that he planted are. Let's live up to the example of Brother Steve and water those seeds and watch them grow. He is watching over us in that great cloud of witnesses, cheering us on. Play loud and sing louder my friend. You will forever be missed

         This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

John 15:12

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be;
So  He put his arms around you and whispered,
“Come with Me”
With tearful eyes we watched you suffer and saw you fade away.
Although, we loved you dearly we could not make you stay.
A golden Heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the Best!