Ray Payne

Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville announces funeral services for Charles Ray Payne, age 75, of Blairsville, who passed away early Monday morning, December 16, 2013, at his home, following an extended illness. Ray was born May 20, 1938, to Arnold Payne and Della Mae Payne. His stepmother was Ruby Lee Grizzle Payne. He was a member of New Union Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his father, Arnold Payne; mother, Della Mae Payne, and stepmother, Ruby Lee.

Ray will be lovingly remembered by all, and especially missed by his loving wife and best friend of 56 years, Dot Payne; son, Greg Payne; daughter, Gwen Hooper; granddaughters, Reagan and McKenzie Hooper; sister and brother-in-law, Geri and Lew Stotts; brother and sister-in-law, Rex and Janice Payne; nieces and nephews: Laura Roth, Tim Payne, Van Payne, and Karen; and great nephews: Hunter Payne, Garrison Roth, and Brooks Payne.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2013, at Cochran Funeral Home starting at 10:00 a.m., and last until funeral services begin at 2:00 p.m., with speakers David Gowder and Bud Akins. Special music will be presented by Julie Payne and New Union Baptist Church Choir. Burial will be in New Union Baptist Church Cemetery. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Tim Payne, Van Payne, Marty Payne, Larry Garrett, Buddy Legg, and Sonny Freeman. Honorary pallbearers will be J.W. Payne, Mike Payne, Jody Payne, Bobby Jackson, Robert Rogers, and David Hancock.

Ray was a loving and loved husband, father, "Poppy", brother, and friend. He enjoyed planting flowers and fishing with his son. But his greatest love was his two granddaughters, Reagan and McKenzie. His special gift of gardening and his service for the community provided beauty and joy for many.

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