Earl Edward Payne Sr.

Earl Edward Payne, Sr. (83) passed away peacefully on September 19, 2023, at his Winter home in Sarasota FL. Born January 24th, 1940, to Alka Stacy Payne and William Payne in Blackey VA. Earl led an adventurous life in the untamed mountains of Southwest VA, with his seven siblings James, Billy Joe, Ilene, Beulah, Virginia, Ralph, and Jeff: along with scores of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends nearby. Earl would often tell stories to his kids and grandkids of his escapades during that period. Earl loved to visit Grandma Leda and Uncle Blackjack Mullens, who would pelt him with old apples when the mood struck. After departing Hurley High School, Earl took an adventure and joined the U.S. Army, where he served from 1957 - 1961. Earl was assigned to the Transportation Corps. and was a top-notch mechanic, but decided he needed even more adventure and cross-trained into the 88K Watercraft Operator career field in which he trained on the Columbia River in Washington State. Earl was assigned to: Ft Dix, NJ, Fort Eustis, VA, Ft Lewis, WA and finally Braconne Depot Complex, Angouleme, France. After the Army, Earl moved back to VA and married Patricia (Patty) Roberts, where two of his four children were born, Ed and Deirdre (Dee Dee). He worked for the Leckie Coal Company in Anjean WV, before taking a position in Winston Salem, NC. After the move, William (Billy) and Christina (Tina) arrived. Earl then decided to enter the plumbing trade and moved the family to Sarasota FL. He spent over 35 years in the plumbing business and was the go-to Master Craftsman and Subject Matter Expert. Often sought after by friends and neighbors for help with plumbing or mechanical issues, he was always there to help. Earl loved the outdoors, whether at the beach or in the mountains, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved to grow tobacco and care for his horses and dogs. Earl was strong-willed at times, but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He was generous, loyal, and brave. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all of his life experiences: apple target, solider, mechanic, miner, plumber, and contractor - he could fix or build anything. He will be remembered for all the heart and love he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them - and if you knew him, you knew it. He will be missed dearly. Earl is survived by his children: Ed Payne and wife Johanna, Deirdre Cote and husband Edward, Billy Payne and wife Tami, Tina Swartz and husband Mike. His siblings: James Payne, Ralph Payne, and Beulah Skeens. His grandchildren: Ashley Elizabeth Cote, Taylor Swartz, Trevor Payne, Joshua Cote, MacKenzie Payne Lautenschlager, Shelby Swartz Nold and Jakey Poo Swartz, and 10 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Earl was predeceased by parents William and Alka Payne, wife Pat Payne, sisters Ilene Lawson and Virginia Kobart, brothers, Billy Joe Payne, and Jeff Payne. Family visitation will be held 26 September 2023, 6 - 8pm at the Toale Brothers Funeral Home, 40 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL. Interment, with military honors will take place on 27 September 2023, 0930 at the main pavilion, Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tidewell Hospice - Sarasota Hospice House, Sarasota, FL.

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Earl Edward Payne Sr.

January 24, 1940 - September 19, 2023