Bruce Holden Payne, affectionately known as DiDi, age 87, of McDonough passed away at his residence Friday, December 18, 2020 surrounded by his family. He was born Saturday, December 2, 1933 in Toccoa, Georgia to the late Alonzo and Lily Mae Payne. He was a barber by trade for 65 years providing many generations’ first haircuts. Blessed with a keen eye for precision and detail, his hobbies included woodworking and billiards. He could run a table in a 9-ball game. His favorite leisurely pastime was a good fishing hole with his buddy, Jimmy Mayhue. One of his proudest achievements was earning his First-Degree Black Belt in American Karate at the age of 71. He was also a proud member of Bethany Baptist Church. He honorably served the Lord and his community as a Past Worshipful Masonic Master.
Bruce is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Juanita Payne; daughters and sons in law, Debbie & Steve Stephens, Anita & John Waldron; grandchildren, Kristin Hanie (Joey), Alison Waldron (Brian Mabry), Jonathan Stephens (Lauren), & Ashley Minton (Michael); great grandchildren, Evan & Kaelynn Hanie, & Rhett & Emersyn Stephens; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, gran-nieces and gran-nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings; Roy, Ondis, Otis, Jewel and Ruth Payne, and his late grandson John Andrew Woodson “Jack” Waldron.
Funeral services for Bruce Holden Payne will be held Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 2PM in the sanctuary at Bethany Baptist Church, Pastor Adam Ganong will officiate. Burial will follow in the Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery with Masonic Rites. The family will receive friends and family during visitation from 12PM to 2PM December 23, 2020 in the Bethany Baptist Church sanctuary. Those desiring may visit the online Guest Registry at www.haistenfunerals.com
When attending the visitation and funeral services, the family respectfully asks everyone to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Bethany Baptist Church Building Fund, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or the Masonic Children’s Home.
