Francis Payne, Jr.

Canton-Francis Payne, Jr., age 67, of the Cruso Community died Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at Haywood Regional Medical Center.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Haywood County and was a son of the late Francis Payne Sr., and Ruth Medford. He was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Emily Shawn Payne. He retired from the National Park Service in 1991. He was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. He later joined the Army Reserves, the N. C. National Guard and was a member of the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Helen Ledbetter Payne, one daughter, Rebecca Cooley and her husband Kevin of Canton, one son, Derek Payne and his wife Shannon of Canton, two sisters, Marie Baker and Bonnie Payne and one half-sister, Blanche Brown, all of Candler, two brothers, Sherman Payne of Canton, Walter Payne of S. C., two half-brothers, Bill Payne of Canton, Glen Payne of Candler, 3 grandchildren, Olivia, Lily and Hayden Payne, all of Canton.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 12, 2003 at the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Jerry Ensley and Reverend Bobby Winebarger, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at New Cruso Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the American Legion Post #47 and the VFW Post #5202. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the home.

Flowers would be appreciated or memorials may be made to New Cruso Cemetery, C/O Bobby Heatherly, 9855 Cruso Road, Canton, NC 28716.

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