Lovin Lucky Payne, age 85, of Pelham, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Lucky was born in Alto, Georgia on Friday, July 29, 1939. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at a young age, where he proudly served as a Machinist Mate and Recruiter. Notably, he was aboard one of the U.S. destroyers involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
During one of his assignments as a Navy recruiter, Lucky rented a home in Killen, Alabama down the street from Judy Capley. The two married in 1971 and their son, Chad, was born the next year. He retired from his Naval career in 1976 after twenty years of service.
Lucky graduated from Muscle Shoals Technical Institute in 1978 and began his second career as a Maintenance Supervisor for Tuscumbia City Schools, where he worked for more than twenty years.
He enjoyed gardening, bird and deer watching, and continually found new hobbies to enjoy, such as beekeeping, woodworking, and scissor-sharpening. He especially loved being “Paw-Paw” to his two grandchildren.
Lucky was well-known to be a gentle, compassionate, and loving man, and he was famous for his hugs. He had a large following on Facebook, where he regularly posted inspirational musings that typically ended with the statement, “I love you, but Jesus loves you more.”
He was a member of New Life Assembly of God in Woodstock, Alabama, where his son pastored for many years. For the last two years, he became part of the church family at Christian Life Fellowship, Calera, Alabama.
Lucky was preceded in death by Judy, his wife of 46 years; his mother, Montine Chambers; and his sister, Marie Crane. He is survived by his son, Dr. Chad Payne (Kim); grandchildren, Damian Cavin and Lydia Payne; siblings, Keith Chambers, Pat Chambers, Ricky Chambers, Kenneth Chambers, and Gwen Chambers. He also leaves behind a special friend, Virginia Harris; as well as several nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Lucky will be held Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Rockco Funeral Home (Montevallo) followed by a celebration of life at 12:30 PM. A committal will occur Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Alabama National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Christian Life Fellowship, Calera, Alabama.
