- Date Of Birth: February 25, 1931
- Date Of Death: July 2, 2022
- State: North Carolina
James Clyde Payne, Jr. of Youngsville, North Carolina died at his home, at the age of 91, on Saturday, July 2, 2022, after a long illness.
Clyde was born in Richmond, Virginia on February 25, 1931, and graduated from nearby Highland Springs High School in 1949. He served with the US Army Quartermaster Corps and was stationed in Germany during the years of the Korean War. Following the war, Clyde married Barbara Gay Kuper, also of Richmond, Virginia.
In 1967, Clyde and his family relocated to Cary, North Carolina. Clyde owned and operated three automatic transmission repair shops in Raleigh. His children all graduated from Cary High School and North Carolina universities. In 1986, Clyde and Barbara relocated to the North Carolina mountains, where they built a much-loved chalet with an uninterrupted view of Grandfather Mountain. In 1997, they retired and settled in Youngsville, North Carolina.
Clyde was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to travel and explore, whether it be via car, boat, motorcycle, or RV. He had his private pilot’s license in his younger days. He enjoyed all sports, especially baseball, auto racing, hunting, and billiards. He achieved sharpshooter status in the army, even though his right eye could only perceive light and dark. He was an excellent self-taught carpenter, and over the years he built two homes and several home additions. His love and humor will be missed and long remembered.
Clyde is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara, and their three children, Jeffrey Clyde Payne, Lynn Payne Durham (John), and John Tipton Payne; grandson, Micajah James Durham; foster brother, Richard Tinsley (Elaine); half-brothers, Gary Matney, Bill Matney, and Mike Matney. He was predeceased by his half-brother, Jim Matney.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Transitions Hospice Care for their professional expertise and kindness to Clyde during his illness.
