Johnny Payne

JOHNNY PAYNE BESSEMER CITY/BARNARDSVILLE - Johnny Payne, age 65, of Bessemer City and Barnardsville died Sunday, December 28, 2014. Mr. Payne was born May 16, 1949 in Buncombe County to the late Commodore C. and Lula Kate Atkins Payne. He had been a resident of Gastonia for most of his life working in the trucking industry as a rate clerk until retirement in November from Old Dominion Freight Line. Johnny was a member of Cherryville Church of God, a hunter and sports fan especially for the Carolina Tarheels. He enjoyed coming home to Barnardsville to visit. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Lisa V. Payne. Surviving are his sisters, Dee Rice and husband Paul of Barnardsville and Karen Sue Payne of Asheville; brother, Robert J. Payne and wife Dottie of Barnardsville; two nephews; five nieces and many great nephews and nieces. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 31, 2014, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, with Reverend Rusty Smart officiating. Burial will be in Big Ivy Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home. Flowers are welcome. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider the Big Ivy Cemetery Fund, c/o Chairman Paul Rice. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Payne's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 31, 2014, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, with Reverend Rusty Smart officiating. Burial will be in Big Ivy Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home. Flowers are welcome. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider the Big Ivy Cemetery Fund, c/o Chairman Paul Rice. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Payne’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.