Don Payne, Of Payne Chevrolet Dies, He Was 92

Don Payne, Of Payne Chevrolet Dies, He Was 92

SPRINGFIELD TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – Long-time Chevrolet dealer, Donald Byram Payne, of Springfield, passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at NHC Healthcare in Gallatin, he was 92.

The arrangements are being handled by Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, October 19, 2017 at 2pm in the chapel of the Austin & Bell Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Springfield Memorial Gardens with Joseph Pierce, Daniel Payne, Alex Payne, Bill Cohea, Kelvin Penuel, Charlie Brinkley, Jr., Ted Stubblefield and Bill Jones serving as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 12pm until the hour of service at 2pm.

Mr. Payne was born March 13, 1925 in Springfield to the late Byram and Ruby Simmons Payne. He was the first Eagle Scout in Springfield and Robertson County. At age 15 he earned his amateur radio license and spoke with and visited many “hams” making Springfield a very well-known city around the world.

He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Pilot Aviation Program in 1943 during WWII at age 17 while still in high school. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1948 and was married the next day to Bettie Bowen in Atlanta, GA. He worked in Atlanta, Washington and Charlotte before moving back to Springfield in 1950 with Payne Chevrolet which was founded by his father in 1926. He was still active in the business late in life. Mr. Payne was a member of Springfield Baptist Church where he was a Deacon for many years and a past Chairman of Deacons and Sunday School teacher. He was also a member of The Gideons International for many years.

If so desired memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International. Any donations may be sent in c/o Austin & Bell Funeral Home

For Mr. Payne’s online obituary click here.

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