Robert "R. J." James Payne, age 70 of Payne Family Drive, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 17, 2021. He is the son of the late Commondore and Lula Kate Atkins Payne. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Matthew Payne; sisters, Karen Sue and Lisa Payne and a brother, Johnny Payne. R. J. was a member of Tennelina Church of God. He was a loving husband, father, and true friend. He loved everybody. He is gone but not forgotten; and will be missed by many.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Dora Lee Reece Payne; daughters, Tammy Arrowood (Roger), Tina Chandler, and Rebecca Honeycutt (Mark); son, Mark Payne; sister Delilah Rice (Paul); grandchildren, Brittney Tipton, Samantha Banks, Chad Chandler, Allison Chandler, Jaxon Dillingham, and Dalton Honeycutt and several nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00PM Tuesday, September 21, 2021, in Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service with Rev. Ron Dodson officiating. Burial will follow in the Payne Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12 – 2:00PM prior to the service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org