Bobby W. Payne, 91, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Cedars Health Center in Tupelo. He was born July 3, 1934, in Nettleton to Fred and Jimmie Lou Monts Payne. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He then earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Mississippi State University and proudly wore their colors daily. He begin his career in the furniture industry working for Futorian, Mohasco, New Creations and Bauhaus. He retired as the Monroe County Administrator. His faith was an important foundation in his life. He was active member of Central Grove Baptist Church. More than anything, he cherished time spent with family and friends.
Services will be 2 PM Monday at Lee Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Joshua Payne and Bro. Joseph Jones officiating. Private family burial will follow in Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be 12 – 2 Monday. Lee Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
He is survived by his children, Ricky Payne of Tremont, Melanie Ware (Rickey) of St. George Island, FL, and Jobi Payne of Hernando; 8 grandchildren, Stephanie Jones (Joseph), Joshua Payne (Brianna), Rebecca Payne, Ivy Ware (Rybekah), Bobby Ware, Kyle McKinney (Alex), Paige Zettergren (Taz) and Kendall McKinney; 10 great-grandchildren, Valerie Jones, Johnny Jones, Leahbeth Payne, Joanna Payne, Karsyn McKinney, Vincent McKinney, Thomas Allen Zettergren, Daniel Zettergren and two more great-grandchildren due this year; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joanne Edwards Payne; one granddaughter, Sherry Beth Payne; a daughter-in –law, Valerie Payne; his sisters, Juanita DeVall, Lottie Ritter, Olga Rogers, Jimmie Nell Kyle, Ruth Bishop and Leota Payne; his brothers, Ovel Payne, Ross Payne, Joe Glenn Payne and Frank Payne.
