Jack "Pop" Payne

Jack, affectionately known as “Pop,” was a small town banker and possibly “the richest man in town,” to quote It’s a Wonderful Life. He was rich in family and friends, having created a circle of love, knitted together by God.

His 1946 Notre Dame High School annual still describes him perfectly: “His gentle kindness is a joy to everyone.” Always a gentleman, Jack’s sweet nature and beautiful smile exemplified Christ and brought peace at home, at the bank, on the tennis court, and wherever he went. He loved everyone and was loved by all.

Jack Payne, age 96, died peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday, September 21, 2024. He is now with the Lord he served so well. A life-long resident of Chattanooga, he was born May 4, 1928, to the late Thurman W. and Celestine Payne.

Jack graduated from Notre Dame High School and received a history degree from the University of Chattanooga, where he was a charter member of the Zeta Phi Chapter of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He was a lifetime member and active volunteer of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, serving as treasurer, lector, active committee member, and he even coached the ladies’ softball team.

Following college, Jack joined the Army and served in Korea from 1950-1952. On his return, he became a teller at the 11th Street Pioneer Bank and retired 40 years later as manager and senior bank officer at the same branch. He was instrumental in assisting many people and businesses with loans, including many Notre Dame grads with their first loans. He was known as the “Mayor of 11th Street.”

One of his secrets to a long happy, healthy life was enjoying Mayfield vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup every evening and he delighted in sharing. He fished often and caught little, but always had a tale. His excellence on the tennis court won him friends and awards.

In his later years, with his three-wheeled cycle, he regularly explored his beloved Belvoir neighborhood where he lived for 57 years, greeting neighbors with the chime of his bell.

A strong supporter of Catholic education, Jack was proud that all his children and several grandchildren graduated from his alma mater, Notre Dame High School, preparing them for lives of service to God.

Faith and family were most important to him, and he generously served in Serra Club, Knights of Columbus, Civitan Club, and as a volunteer at CHI Memorial, always quick to help others in any way he could.

Jack’s passion for life and devotion to his faith, family, and friends was evident in all he did. He married Helen Mahoney in 1954, and together they were wonderful role models of love in action. They created a loving family, who celebrate life daily, and he leaves a legacy of the meaning of true faith, family, and service to others. He led by example with zest, a fun competitive spirit, and a welcoming heart.

Helen, the love of his life, died in 2013, and his family knows they are reunited and joyfully dancing the jitterbug together once again.

Jack is survived by six children: Eileen (Jim) Ransom, Ed (Mary Lee) Payne, of Birmingham, AL, Karen (John) Carden, Jean Payne, Joann (Edward) Marshall, and Joe Payne; twelve grandchildren: Tripp (Stephanie) Ransom, Alicia (Jamie) Debity, Amy Hall, Hailey (Cole) Jolley, Will Payne, Ben Carden (Ali Allerton), Rob (Suzy) Carden, Payne (Cece) Carden, Tee and Jack Boone, Jake and Sam Payne; 14 great grandchildren; his sister-in-law Ann (Jim) Thompson; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Jean (Hewitt) Wood.

A special thanks for exceptional care by wonderful caregivers: “Pop’s Angels” at Rockbridge Oaks, Hearth Hospice, Home Comforts, and loving personal friends who cared for him at his Mayfair home.

A funeral mass will be held at 11am Friday, September 27 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Catholic Church with Father Mike Nolan, Father Arthur Torres, Father Jim Vick, and Father Mike Creson officiating.

Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5-8pm on Thursday, September 26 at Chattanooga Funeral Home East with a rosary service at 7:30pm and again from 10-11am at the OLPH Holy Family Hall prior to the funeral.

Memorial contributions may be made to OLPH School Tuition Assistance Fund, Notre Dame High School, Hearth Hospice, or CHI Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

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