Homer F. Payne

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces funeral services for Mr. Homer Forrest Payne, age 80, of Blairsville GA who went home to be with Jesus on May 16, 2017.

Homer was born in Toccoa, Georgia to Allen and Lorena Payne--the youngest of six children. He met and married the love of his life Louise Standridge in July 1958. The couple had three children whom they raised in Fort Pierce, FL. Homer was a life-long Southern Baptist serving the Lord at Hill Street Baptist in Toccoa, Parkview Baptist in Ft. Pierce, and First Baptist Church of Blairsville. Homer's career as a printing press repairman spanned more than 35 years and he was highly regarded as an expert in his field. His profession allowed him to travel all over the United States and he made life long friends wherever he went. He also held his private pilot's license for many years.

After moving to Blairsville in 1990, Homer and Louise joined First Baptist Church. Here he has served in many capacities including deacon, Sunday school teacher, sanctuary choir member and soloist. He volunteered in many ministries and loved helping build pinewood derby cars and handing out hotdogs at fall festival.

Homer was a devoted husband and father to his beloved family. He never met a stranger. He loved to pull pranks and tell stories. He was generous and helpful to all and enjoyed sharing the love of Jesus Christ. He used his beautiful tenor voice to praise God and give joy to others. He touched the lives of many and made scores of life long friends. His mischievous blue eyes, hearty laugh, fried Cajun turkey, and roasted and boiled peanuts will be missed.

Mr. Payne was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Maurice, Thurman, and Vernor; daughter, Tammy Payne Allan; and son-in-law, Randy Allan. He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Louise Standridge Payne of Blairsville; sons, Timothy (Angie) Payne of Cedar Rapids, IA and Terry (Channy) Payne of Blairsville; his grandchildren, Sarah Allan, Sierra Harrison, Nicolas (Kassia) Payne, Aaron Harrison, Joshua Payne, Cole Payne and Maggie Payne; brother, James Henry Payne of Stone Mountain GA; sister, Buena Segars of Harrison GA; and many other relatives, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2017, at 4:00 p.m., to be held in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Blairsville, with Dr. Fred Lodge officiating. The following gentlemen have the honor of serving as pallbearers: Terry Payne, Tim Payne, Doug Standridge, Dan McCollum, Cole Payne, and Chester Frasier. Asked to serve as honorary escort to the family are the members of Boaz-Jesse Sunday School Class. The visitation will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., and will be held at the church.

If you wish, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Blairsville, Children's Ministry, P.O. Box 2058, Blairsville, GA 30514.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville. Please share your condolences and fond memories of Homer with his family on our website, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.