John Stephen Payne "PopPop"

John moved to Jacksonville FL as a young child where he grew up and graduated from Nathan B. Forrest High School. John worked as a contractor his entire life until recently where he served as a security guard for Universal Allied Security Services at Jacksonville International Airport. He was very passionate about hunting, fishing, and coaching little league baseball. John above all else loved his family and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren hunting and to the theme parks. He loved animals of all kinds. He leaves behind three very beloved dogs (Ziggy, Shiloh, and BoBo) and numerous cats (Punkin, Snowflake, Bug who live at the house and 2 homeless cats, Mabel and Smokey, hanging out near the airport where he patrolled). He would pick up stray animals from time to time and bring them home because he could not stand to see a helpless animal. John took in everyone that needed help regardless of friend or family. He was a very kind caring and compassionate yet stubborn man.

John is preceded in death by his Mother Marion Kline, Father Billy Ward Payne, and Brother Tommy Payne. He is survived by his Wife Gloria Jean Payne, Daughter Susan Marie Payne, Son Thomas Stephen Payne, Step Son Lester Yarbrough Jr, Step Daughter Theresa Lynn Parrish, Grandchildren Kyrsten Taylor Ferguson, James Allen Ferguson III, Thomas Stephen Payne Jr. (TJ), Lester Trey Yarbrough, Jade Ansley Yarbrough and Lawson Trent Yarbrough. One Great Grandchild, Espen James Yarbrough. John also had a life long best friends Donald and Nan Poor.