On August 1, 2022, Mr. Arthur Early Payne passed away while his very devoted niece and nephew, Albergail A. Barnes and Howard K. Barnes of the city were at his side.

Mr. Payne was born March 16, 1932, to the late Arthur Samuel and Betty Gibson Payne in Walnut Cove, NC. Arthur was preceded in death by a loving and devoted wife, Mildred Thornton Payne, a sister, Barbara Ann Payne Ferguson, and brother, James L. Payne.

Mr. Payne graduated from Carver High School - Class of 1950. He graduated from North Carolina Central in Durham, North Carolina. After graduating, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War then returned to civilian life. Mr. Payne worked for the former Winston Mutual Life Insurance Company and later worked and retired from Reynolds American (formerly RJR Tobacco Company) in the Human Resources and Quality Assurance Divisions. During retirement years and prior to becoming ill, he enjoyed traveling with his wife and home improvement projects and yard work.



He was a long-time resident of the city and Skyland Park community. Arthur Payne was one of the longer serving members and leaders of the local WSSU chapter of the Kappa Alpha PSI Fraternity, Inc.; selflessly offering many hours alongside his fraternity brothers in various volunteer efforts throughout the city.

He is survived by one son, Ronald E. Payne (Satomi) and two grandchildren, Daniel and Riana, all of Tokyo, Japan; his devoted niece and nephew, and a host of grand nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.



Additionally, it is noteworthy to mention that Mr. Payne was his son's number one hockey fan – as Ronnie was an avid hockey player. Please allow this to serve as a personal heartfelt thank you to my devoted family, his doctors, nurses, and fraternity brothers during my father's illness. A public viewing will be held Sunday August 7, 2022, from 1pm until 4pm at Douthit's. Funeral services will be held Monday August 8, 2022, at 12pm From New Bethel Baptist Church and interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens, the family will receive friends at 11:30am. Kappa Alpha PSI will hold their ceremony on Sunday from 4pm until 5pm. Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.