Horace Payne

Obituary

Horace Anthony Payne, 68, passed away Thursday, September 9, 2021.  "Anthony",  as he was fondly called by family and friends, was born January 20, 1953 in Asheville, NC to Frederick Payne and Mary Alice Forney Payne.

He was a member of H. B. Ferguson Missionary Baptist Church and served as a deacon and usher. He was also a member of the City-wide Ushers Union.  Anthony was a veteran of the United States Air Force attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant with 15 years of service. He was a retired employee of the Charles George V A Medical Center with 35 years of service.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; most recently his mother, Mary Alice Payne, who passed away on August 16, 2021.  

Survivors include his siblings: Elliot Payne, Sharon “Chick” Morgan (Samuel), all of Asheville, NC, and Kim Asbury (Michael) of Advance, NC; his nieces and nephew, Adrienne Benton (Grover), Meka Backman (Devin), and Michael Asbury, Jr. (Cassidy); three great-nephews and niece, Ashton “AJ” Benton, Londyn Benton, and Chance Benton.  

Public viewing will be from 2:00-5:00 pm Sunday, September 12, 2021 in the chapel of Ray Funeral & Cremation Service. Funeral service will be 12:00 pm Monday, September 13, 2021 also in the chapel. Burial will be 10:00 am Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at the WC State Veterans Cemetery. Attendees and visitors must social distance and wear masks.