Benjamin Harrison Payne, Jr. of Maidson, Tennessee

October 24, 1950 - June 26, 2021

A time to be born: Benjamin Harrison Payne, Jr, was born on October 24, 1950, to Ben, Sr and Lady Louise Payne in Nashville, TN. He was affectionately known as “Sweet Man” by his community because of his infectious smile and his charm with the ladies. The Lord called him to eternal rest on June 26, 2021, surrounded by close family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ben was educated by Giles County, Pulaski Public School System and graduated from Giles County High School. He went on to attend Martin College and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Business. Later he served four years in the United States Air Force.

A time to Love: He married his college sweetheart, Regina Bean on September 18, 1971, and from this union two beautiful children were born: Tiffinie and Tae. His children were the apples of his eye, and his most cherished memories were spending time with them.

Ben experienced love a second time and married his beloved best friend, Paula Sue Salisbury on February 20, 1993, and they remained married until his death. From this union, Ben inherited two stepchildren Brett Atwell and Gerri Milkovie.

Ben had a passion for cooking and was considered the Grill Master by his family. He loved entertaining and spending time with close family and friends. He never met a stranger and became everybody’s “Uncle Bacon”. He loved many genres of music and had a beautiful melodious voice.

Ben accepted Christ as his Lord and personal Savior at an early age. In 2019, Ben joined the Ray of Hope Community Church under the leadership of Pastors Martin L. Espinosa and Dr. Renita J. Weems. During his health battles, it was attending church that renewed his faith and his strength.

A time to Cherish: Ben leaves to cherish and carry on his legacy, a loving and devoted wife of 28 years, Paula Sue Payne; his beloved daughters, Tiffinie (Lewis) Pryor and Tae (Kenneth) Hammonds; grandchildren Myles, Cole and Reese Pryor, Gabrielle Dooley and Emily Atwell; stepchildren Brett Atwell and Gerri Milkovie; sisters Norma (Kenneth) Upshaw and Harriett (Ben) Wright; devoted nieces Karen Holder, Fonda Harris and Katrice Upshaw; adopted niece Joyce Page; devoted brother-in laws Gregory (Suzanne) Sublett, Jesse Sublett and Fredrick (Keith) Salisbury; and a host of nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and close friends.