Townson-Rose Funeral Home

Obituary for Melvin Billy Payne


04/16/1939 - 02/14/2018


Melvin Billy Payne, age 78 of Murphy, NC passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at his residence.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, NC and the son of the late Arthur and Meredith Payne. Melvin was a school teacher at Murphy Middle School and Hiwassee Dam Middle School for over 30 years. He was a self-employed logger. Melvin enjoyed fishing. He was a member of the Swanson Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Sara Lee Ann Payne; one brother, Arvel Payne and one sister, Margie Stewart.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Louise Payne; two sons, Doug Payne and wife Sandy and Don Payne and wife Michelle all of Murphy; one daughter, Denise Ledford Mealer and husband Jennis of Murphy; one brother, Kent Payne of Farner, TN; three sisters, Sue Swafford of Conover, NC, Barbara Locklear of Hickory, NC and Brenda Jones of Murphy, NC; and six grandchildren, Jeremy Payne and wife Lauren, Benjamin Payne, Rachel Payne, Gabrielle Payne, Jessisca Payne and Dakota Ledford; and three great-grandsons, Zeke, Eli and Carter Lee Payne.

A private graveside service will be held at 2 pm, Friday, February 16, 2018 at the Swanson Baptist Church Cemetery. Eulogies will be given by his grandsons.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Swanson Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Andy Ware, 21 Annie Jones Road, Murphy, NC 28906.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.


You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com