Luther Richard Payne

Luther Richard Payne, age 73, went to his heavenly home Sunday, November 28th at 3:25 am at UT Medical Center after a two-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. Survived by his wife of 47 years, Sharon Croft Payne; son, Gary Payne; daughter-in-law, Rebekah Cable; daughter, Richelle Payne Gregory and husband, Scott; daughter, Melisa Payne Thacker and son-in-law Billy Thacker; grandchildren, Alex Gregory (Savanna), Jole Payne, Noel Rossbach, Shelby Gregory, Noah Payne, Emmett Thacker, Taylor Payne, Tristan Thacker, Wyatt Payne and Jocelyn Payne; and great-grandchild, Oliver Gregory. Richard also leaves behind two loving sisters, Sharon Payne Carpenter (Ken) and Patti Payne Dukes, and special loving cousins, Becky Graham Eiler and Steve Swann. He also leaves behind many cousins and family members from Morristown. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Nina Swann Payne, who welcomed him to heaven. Richard graduated from Everett High School class of 1966. He then enlisted with the United States Navy where he was honorably discharged after 6 years of service. He worked at The Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa, Inc.), where he retired after 34 years of service. He loved to draw in his spare time, often doodling on napkins, scrap pieces of paper and his drawing books. He was also an avid corvette lover. I’ve never known him not have a pipe in his mouth, whether he was watching tv or training horses on our old farm in Seymour. He loved westerns and alien shows. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He was a great storyteller and around the holidays would love telling funny stories about his childhood and his children. He loved his grandchildren, and one could often find him outside playing football or basketball with them no matter the time of day or night. He had a wonderful laugh and gave the best hugs. He was never more than a phone call away if he was needed. He was strong in his faith in God. We could go to him anytime for words of encouragement and faith, where he would always tell us to seek God’s wisdom in our prayers. He was the definition of a loving father and grandfather and he will be greatly missed. Family and friends will assemble for a Celebration of Life and Entombment Service at Grandview Pavilion on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 3:00 PM with Reverend Rex Everett officiating. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Luther Richard Payne please visit our Sympathy Store.