Charles Holloway Payne

Charles Holloway Payne, beloved husband, adored father, and faithful friend, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of June 12, 2023 at home in Pike Road, Alabama surrounded by his family. Charlie was 70.

Charlie was born to Louis Edward Payne, Jr. and Beryl (Catchings) Payne on October 29, 1952 in Montgomery, Alabama. He attended Jefferson Davis High School and graduated from Auburn University. During his formative years at Floyd Junior High School, Charlie met his sweetheart, Susie, whom he later married. Charlie and Susie have called the Pike Road neighborhood of Milly Branch their home for more than thirty years.

Throughout the course of his extensive career in pharmaceutical sales, Charlie spent his days doing what he loved most: connecting with people and serving others for the greater good. One of his greatest pleasures in life was fishing, not “catching” as he reminded us, which he practiced with persistence and patience. He enjoyed taking friends and family out on his boat for bass fishing and heart-to-hearts. If you were lucky, Charlie would show you the best fishing spot on the lake, known as “The Land of the Giants”, which guaranteed the ultimate angler experience. He also enjoyed kayaking with his dear friend, Doctor David Hensleigh, on the Tallapoosa River where they braved the rapids and made lifelong memories.

Charlie was best described as a do-it-yourself kind of man and thoroughly enjoyed his daily trips to Home Depot. He was an innovator and a master at solving problems. As the Self-Elected and Unofficial Neighborhood Mayor of Milly Branch, Charlie applied the teachings of “Love Thy Neighbor” by maintaining roads, constructing stacked stone walls, and most importantly acting as the Head of the Welcoming Committee. Community was of exceptional importance to Charlie, and he was warmly described as the heart of the neighborhood.

Charlie’s treasured vocation was being a father, and he loved his two daughters with tremendous joy. Their successes, which he lovingly fostered, were his greatest accomplishments. If you’ve met Charlie, you’ve undoubtedly witnessed his affections for Holly and Hayden (and likely received an earful of their recent achievements). Charlie also cherished his nieces and nephews and fondly adopted the role of “Uncle Chee Chee”. His endearing friendships were deeply valued, and he spoke often of his friends, both new and old.

Charlie was predeceased by his father Louis Edward Payne, Jr. and mother Beryl (Catchings) Payne. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Susan (O’Neal) Payne; two daughters, Elizabeth Holloway “Holly” Payne and Hayden (Payne) Zieman; siblings, Joseph “Rusty” Payne (Judy) and Elizabeth “Libba” Carmichael (Steve); sons in law, David M. Frazier and Daniel P. Zieman; and faithful feline, Fitzgerald, whom he eventually grew to love.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, June 15th, at Grace Episcopal Church, 906 Pike Road, Pike Road, AL 36064. The memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 16th at Grace Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Alabama Rivers Alliance in Charlie’s memory. https://alabamarivers.org/donate-now/

Everyone has a Charlie Payne story, and we’d love to hear them all.