Thomas Payne

Thomas Phillip (Pete) Payne, 85, of Gulf Breeze went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 23, 2015 surrounded by family including his loving wife of sixty three years, Maxwell Louise (White) Payne.
Surviving are his sister Sammie Mattocks and her husband Mickey of Navarre, his sons Thomas Phillip Payne II and his wife Nancy of Bay Village, Ohio, David White Payne and his wife Gigi of Bradenton, Joseph Leamon Payne and his wife Lisa of Madison, Mississippi and grandchildren Jenny Magown (Stephen), Daniel Payne (Jaynie), Rebecca Brown (Rob), Matthew Payne, Benjamin Payne, Thomas Phillip Payne III, and Christian Payne (Katrina) and great-grandchildren Madison Magown, Meredith Magown, and Harrison Magown.
Pete was born in Crenshaw County, Alabama on August 18, 1930 to Mary Lizzie and Trammel L. (Sam) Payne. He graduated from Brantley High School and then went on to achieve his Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) in 1952. Pete then proudly served as an officer in the United States Navy for two years aboard the U.S. destroyer escort U.S.S. Darby. After his commission ended, he began his forestry career working for International Paper Company in various roles as a forester and woodlands management in Alabama and Mississippi. After his retirement from International Paper Company in 1985, he and Max made their home in Gulf Breeze, Florida where they continued to reside.
Pete came to know Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 21 and continued to be involved in his local churches as, youth Sunday School and Baptist Training Union teacher. His love for Christ was reflected in his love for his wife, his children, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Pete loved sports and enjoyed coaching Little League with his boys. He was also a devout Auburn fan and followed the Tigers through his life.
He will be missed by his family and many friends but the memories of his love for his family, his gentleness and his humor will always be cherished.
A time of visitation will be held on Monday, November 30, 2015 at the First Baptist Church of Gulf Breeze from 10 to 10:45 AM followed by a funeral service there at 10:45 AM. Burial will be in Barrancas National Cemetery at 12:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, c/o First Baptist Church Gulf Breeze, Florida, 555 Fairpoint Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561

Visitation

Visitation

First Baptist Church of Gulf Breeze
555 Fairpoint Drive
Gulf Breeze, FL  32561
Monday, November 30, 2015
10:00 AM

Service

Funeral Service

First Baptist Church of Gulf Breeze
555 Fairpoint Drive
Gulf Breeze, FL  32561
Monday, November 30, 2015
10:45 AM

Cemetery

Burial

Barrancas National Cemetery
One Cemetery Road
Pensacola, FL