John Wesley Payne, Jr.

John Wesley Payne, Jr. age 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Stephens, Georgia on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Family members were present at his side. John was born September 7, 1936 in DeKalb County, Georgia. He graduated from South West DeKalb High School in 1954. He married the love of his life, Nancy Jo Childs Payne, in 1956. He served in the Georgia National Guards, Army from 1956-1958. He graduated from Southern Poly Tech, working at Sockwell and Majestic Mechanical prior to starting his own commercial mechanical contracting company. In 1970, he started John Payne Company. His company is still operating 55 years later with the second and third generations of the family. He loved to farm and worked most of his free time creating a legacy place for family and friends to gather. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a believer in Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Nancy Jo Childs Payne, son Mark Anthony Payne (Dana Payne), daughter Laura Payne McTier (Scott McTier), grandchildren Matthew Wesley McTier (Regan McTier), Casey Jo Payne Stiles (Parker Stiles), Hannah McTier Goza (David Goza), David Grayson McTier (Carson McTier), Callie Ann Payne, Cody Calvin Payne (Amber Payne), and eight great-grandchildren: Ellie Scott McTier, Charlotte Elizabeth McTier, Mary Grayson McTier, Caroline Emerson McTier, Walker Barrington Stiles, Dawson Ned McTier, Riley Jo Stiles, and John Wesley McTier as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents John Welsey Payne, Sr. and Enid Cook Payne, Nannie Kate Thompson (sister), Robert Jack Payne (brother), Tommy Cook Payne (brother), and Nellie Jo Folds (sister).

Visitation will take place at McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad Street, Greensboro, GA 30642 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2025.  Serving as pallbearers are Allen Thompson, Brian Payne, Steve Payne, Wesley Folds, Jake Brogan, Brad Wyzkowski and Craig Brogan. A Ceremony of celebration of his life will take place at the family farm, 1354 Union Point Rd, Stephens, GA on Friday, February 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. The family requests any memorials be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 or the Samaritan’s Purse, P. O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. Fellowship will follow his service at the farm.  McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of  arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.

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