Robert T. Payne

Robert Turner Payne, 89, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.

Born on March 17, 1935, in New Concord, Ohio, Robert was the son of Nanny Ruth Payne (Smith) and Genius Turner Payne. He led a remarkable life defined by service, adventure, and love for family and friends.

Robert retired from the Ohio Department of Transportation and he proudly served in the Ohio National Guard for 38 years, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. Deeply committed to his community and his values, Robert was active in the Masonic Temple and was a devoted Shriner, often seen riding in parades with the motorcycle motor corps, raising funds to support children in need.

His dedication to public service extended to local politics, where he served as a councilman and vice mayor in Trotwood, OH. Known for his love of sports, Robert earned the nickname “Lightning” during his high school and college years as he excelled in football, basketball, and track. He attended Muskingum College for two years and pursued his passion for cars by driving stock cars, later becoming an enthusiastic NASCAR fan and anything that involved racing. Robert held season tickets to the Cincinnati Bengals for 14 years and spent 21 years as an official softball scout.

Robert, his beloved wife Patty, and their family shared a love of travel, exploring Italy, Ireland, Costa Rica, and many cruises over the years. Known for his wit, he was a natural entertainer who loved to sing, act in plays, and always kept his family and friends laughing. A man of deep faith, Robert accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at Northridge Baptist Church in Dayton, OH, where he was baptized, and he recently attended Mud Creek Baptist Church in Hendersonville, NC.

Robert is survived by his wife of 43 years, Patricia Payne (Hall); his daughters Kimberly K. (Kim White) Cline, Regina S. (Greg) Hemp, and Nanette I. (Rick Kamm) Payne; his stepdaughters Angela (Tim) Dolle and Jennifer Tipton; his nephew Neil Payne; and numerous cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William Thomas Payne.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial contributions made in Robert’s name be sent to Let Love Farm, PO Box 122, West Jefferson, OH 43162, or made through their website, https://www.letlovefarm.org/donate/

Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Farus Funeral Home in New Concord. A funeral service will follow at 2:30 p.m., officiated by Pastor Keith Taylor. Robert will be laid to rest in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in New Concord with full Military Honors.

www.farusfh.com