George Hunter Payne, of Huntsville, born February 8, 1936, died peacefully on November 4, 2025, at the age of 89.
Mr. Payne was born in Scottsboro, Alabama, the son of the late James Robinson Payne and Emily Matthews Payne. He attended Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and received a pharmacy degree from Howard (Samford) University in Birmingham, Alabama.
In addition to his career in the pharmacy field, he was involved in ventures as a hotelier and developer in banking, healthcare, hospitality, lodging, and real estate. He and his wife developed approximately sixty subdivisions across Huntsville and the surrounding areas, contributing greatly to the growth of the city they loved.
Mr. Payne was predeceased by his wife of forty-four years, Clara East Payne; his daughter, Elizabeth Payne; and his granddaughter, Angela Payne Bryant. He is survived by his sons, Jim Payne (Laura) of Scottsboro; Burt Payne (Diane) of Birmingham; and Hunter Payne of Birmingham; grandsons Winston Payne, Thomas Payne (Jessi), and Collier Payne (Claudia), all of Birmingham; his sister, Elizabeth Payne Word of Scottsboro; six great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, and a host of special friends.
The family would like to thank Santana Guzman for her loving care and devotion to George and Clara over the past eight years. In addition, the family extends gratitude to the Hospice Family Care team for the compassionate care provided at their inpatient facility.
Visitation will be from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 10, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a service at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. William Crosby officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice are requested.
