Robert James Payne, 83 of Marshall passed away Monday December 21, 2015 at the North Carolina State Veterans' Home in Black Mountain. Mr. Payne was born February 27, 1932 in Madison County, where he lived most of his life. He is preceded in death by his parents Woodard and Sally Roberts Payne and one brother Harold Payne. Robert served in the US Army for 2 years, and spent part of that time walking guard duty in Germany. The rest of his service was spent cooking for his fellow soldiers. He moved to Michigan after his service in the Army and worked for several years at Cadillac Motors. When he moved back to Madison County he was a farmer and worked at Derringer Mfg. He worked at Bowman Funeral Home in Marshall for several years. Robert was a member of Laurel Fork Freewill Baptist Church. He was a wonderful friend to all who knew him.

Robert is survived by lots of friends and neighbors.

A funeral service will be held 2:00pm Tuesday, December 22, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Reverend Randy Burrell will officiate. Burial will follow in the Bowman Rector Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.