Ernie L. Payne

Ernest (Ernie) L. Payne, 74, husband of Barbara G. Payne, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 6, 2018.

Born January 31, 1944, in Greenville, SC, he was the son of the late James and Janie Carter-Payne. Surviving, in addition to his wife of 54 years, are his daughter Karla Payne of Easley; two sisters, Sue Pate and her husband David of Taylors, Cathy Stafford and her husband Earl of Fountain Inn; a sister-in-law, Evelyn Payne and a brother-in-law, David Gambrell and his wife, Bonnie of Piedmont; his nieces and nephews; and his cat Missy.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased in death by his older brother James Preston Payne.

Ernie served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was an active member of Rock Springs Baptist Church and the Prayer Warriors Bible Fellowship class. He retired from American Liba, a German textile machinery company, after 25 years of service.

Throughout his adult life, Ernie was active in foreign missions, travelling abroad to Venezuela and Panama to aid in building churches in impoverished areas. Community was important to him and he utilized his strength and height by serving the Powdersville Fire Department for several years. In later years he volunteered as a driver for various church outings and participated in the nursing home ministry.

He was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, aka animal observer, he enjoyed gardening, John Deere tractors, wood working and spending time with his feline sweetheart, Missy. He took great pride in caring for his yard, which was arguably one of the best kept in a five-mile radius and he could be found on a nice day sitting outside in the swing in the back yard with Missy.

He never met a stranger and was well known in and around the Powdersville Community. He was often found socializing with family, friends and his beloved girls that took care of him every day at Athas, his favorite restaurant.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM-12:45 PM at the funeral home prior to the funeral service on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road with the burial to follow in Robinson Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Open Arms Hospice, 1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.