James Larry Payne was born Feb. 25, 1953, to Frank and Katie Bell Payne in Birmingham, Ala. He was called home Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017.
Throughout his life, his interests included being an avid sports fan (Roll Tide!). He even played softball with the Glassmasters for several years. He also chose a career, which was his passion: he counseled and mentored troubled youth. In addition to all of his pastimes, James enjoyed serving the Lord and becoming a deacon under the leadership of Dr. Darien K. Bolden Sr. of First Missionary Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach.
James Larry Payne is survived by his children, Marcus (Jacquiese) Brown, Kena (Derrick) Byrd, Sanqunette (Chris Sr.) Ruffin, Sheree (Franklin) Adams, Marques McConico and Rodrequis Woods; stepdaughters, whom he loved affectionately as his own, Shamika Alberta, Taylor Sanders and Shanice Sanders; grandchildren, Marques McConico Jr., Jessyca McConico, Marques McConico, Mahalie Brown, Londyn Byrd, Chris Ruffin Jr., Chrisette Ruffin, Jelanie Wiggins, Ana Adams, Corinne Adams, Quendarius Jackson and Sydney Battle; siblings, Wash (Evelyn) Stallworth, Anna Stallworth Greene, Doris (Derrick) Oates, Alesia (John) Price and Myoshia Whitt Holley; and a host of very special and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by brothers, William Payne, Hardy Payne and Morris Stallworth; and his guardian-mother, Odessa Stallworth.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 4, at First Missionary Baptist Church, 22 S. Ninth St., Fernandina Beach.