Jesse “Rocky” Payne

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Jesse “Rocky” Payne entered his heavenly rest on December 13, 2021 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital (a day after his 84^th birthday).

Jesse was born December 12, 1937, in Gladys, VA to the late Alonza Payne and Rosa Clark Payne. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Marvin Payne; grandson, Dante Poindexter; three sisters, Betty Gaston, Willie Randolph, and Dorothy Mae Payne; one brother, William Payne.

He was educated in the Campbell County Public Schools but learned so much more through life experiences.  He joined Hills Creek Baptist Church at an early age. He held numerous positions over the years that included tractor-trailer driver, heavy equipment operator, furniture maker, and was later employed as a mill worker by Payne Construction Company making specialty pieces for churches, local and out-of-state businesses, and private individuals. He was known as a person of many talents and abilities. Jesse worked hard and played hard.  He loved to dance and party to good music.  His other hobbies included fishing, gardening, camping, hunting, and bowling. 

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 28 years, Ella Carr-Payne; his children Annette Dixon (Lloyd) of Lynchburg, VA, Jesse E. Payne (Eddis) of Rustburg, VA, Jacqueline Hewitt (Keith) of Richmond, VA and Jessica Payne of Newport News, VA; two sisters, Susie Martin of Gladys, VA and Lillie Gatlin of Alexandria, VA; two brothers, Calvin Payne (Glenwood) of Rustburg, VA and Herman Payne Sr. (Ernestine) of Altavista, VA; two sisters-in-law, Rebecca Payne of Rustburg, VA, Katie Ward (Lawrence) of Gretna, VA; seven brothers-in-law, Archie Freeman Jr. of Blairs, VA, Wesley Freeman (Patricia) Greensboro, NC, Frank Freeman (Lena) of Altavista, VA, Russell Freeman of Lynchburg, VA, James Freeman (Cynthia) of Gretna, VA, Robert Freeman (Wausenia) of Danville, VA, and Earl Freeman (Cherena) of Lynchburg, VA; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.  His memory will also be cherished by a host of beloved nephews, nieces, and dear friends, especially Roy Jones aka “Fat Daddy”, Mike Jackson, Cortez Jackson, and Kent Scott.  

In the words of Jesse Payne: “Just remember every shut eye ain’t sleep and every goodbye ain’t gone. Now, Ripley said you can believe that or not!”

A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Tharp Funeral Home chapel, Lynchburg, VA. The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. before the service.

Tharp Funeral Home Lynchburg is assisting the family.

Click here to view Jesse’s tribute video