John Samuel Payne

John Samuel Payne, 67, of Amherst, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at The University of Virginia Medical Center. He was the loving husband of Brenda Childress Payne for 44 years. Born on May 15, 1948 in Lynchburg, he was the son of the late Lewis Franklin Payne and Elizabeth Ball Payne. John was a devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his family. John served the State of Virginia as a Magistrate and also served our country as member of the US Navy. He liked long road trips and visiting new places. Always friendly and eager to help, John was a good neighbor and friend. John loved to go boating and spending time in and around water. As a transplant recipient he always appreciated the gift of life. In addition to his wife, Brenda, he is survived by his son, John S. Payne, Jr. and wife Susan of Encinitas, CA; his daughter, Kristy D. Godsey of Amherst; three grandchildren, Austin Payne, Zoe Payne, and Kenzie Godsey; his sister, Mary Ball P. Morton and husband John of Wilmington, DE; his brother, L.F. Payne, Jr. and wife Susan of Charlottesville; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8pm on Friday, July 31, 2015 at Whitten Monelison Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Saturday, August 1, 2015 at Whitten Monelison Chapel with Pastor Kirk Farmer officiating. Interment will follow at Amherst Cemetery. The family will host a reception following the interment at Amherst Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Charles O. Strickler Transplant Center, PO Box 800265, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0709 or Amherst Baptist Church, PO Box 494, Amherst, VA 24521.