Everette P. Payne

Asheville Everette P. Payne, 91, of Asheville became a citizen of a new country that he had never been to when he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior on Friday, May 27, 1937. Death on February 14, 2009 was the key that opened the door to his home in heaven with Jesus. He was the son of the late Albert R. and Lucy Ledford Payne. He was preceded in death by 5 brothers: Harry; Norman; Ollan; Vonno; and Earle Payne, and 3 sisters: Gertrude Moody; Dorothy Childers; and Thelma Hoffman. In the love and hands of God, he leaves his bride of 65+ years, Julia Rhymer Payne, also sons: Harry and wife Judy Payne of Leicester; Larry Bruce and wife Julie Payne of Terlton, OK; and Perry Eugene Payne of the home; seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Also his sister Stella and husband Chaplain Herbert H. Spencer of Naples, FL. He was a member of the Asheville Alliance Church for over 70 years serving as Elder, Executive Board, Teller and Usher. He retired in 1982 as Western Division Forester for Carolina Power & Light Company with 40 years of service. He and 3 other young men organized the Jesus Save Mission on Roberts Street. He and one of the young men along with the help of many neighbors built the mission. He also drew the plans for the mission. He was involved in a Gospel Tract ministry reaching over 500,000 families with Scripture and hope when death separated them from their loved ones. The memorial service will be 3 P.M. Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at the Cornerstone Alliance Church, 12 S. French Broad Avenue, Asheville, NC with the Rev. Jerry Payne, Rev. Dan Stephenson, Rev. Jeffrey Hober and Rev. James Shields officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 P.M. Tuesday at the church. Anders-Rice Funeral Home will serve the family with burial at Green Hills Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be men of the church and employees of Progress Energy. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to CarePartners and the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center for the love and care given to our family during this time.