Rev. Lewis Payne

Rev. Lewis Eugene Payne, United States Army, Retired, age 86, of Morganton, passed Friday, March 18, 2022.

Rev. Payne was born June 14, 1935, to his late parents, Arnold Eugene and Myrtle Jane (Dry) Payne of Concord, North Carolina. Lewis was an honorably discharged, U.S. Army retiree with over 24 years of service. He also served during both the Korean and Vietnam wars. Rev. Payne was of the Christian faith and a member of the Oak Hill Independent Church. He was the founder of the Veteran’s Memorial Park in Ellijay, Georgia.

Rev. Payne was the founder and pastor of Eagle’s Wings Ministry. Lewis was a dedicated member of the North Georgia Honor Guard for numerous years. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Alice Payne; and son, Ricky Payne.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2022, from the Logan Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Edward Ledford officiating. Military honors followed in the Logan Funeral Home Pavilion with military rites performed by the North Georgia Honor Guard.

Interment was at Chastain Memorial Park in Blue Ridge.

Rev. Payne is survived by his wife of nine years, Sandra Jane (Sutton) Payne, of Morganton; stepdaughter and son-in-law, Connie and David Parrish, of Morganton; son, Ronnie E. Payne, of Reidsville, Georgia; stepson, Glen E. Forte, of Blue Ridge; step-grandchildren, Spring Wishart, Kevin Wishart, Chris Brewer, Matthew Colbert, Gage Forte, Brice Forte, Skye June and Ocean Forte; great-grandchildren, Chloe Anna Wishart and Caroline Wishart; sister-in-law, Dorothy Mimbs, of Elkin, North Carolina; and his beloved dog, Victoria.

The family received friends Monday, March 21, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Flowers are being accepted, or donations may be made to the North Georgia Honor Guard in memory of Rev. Payne.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.loganfuneralhome.com.

Logan Funeral Home & Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.