Paul "Gene" Payne, 71, of Ormond Beach, FL, passed away on Saturday, February 20th, at Bishop's Glen of Holly Hill, after enduring complications from Parkinson's disease. He bravely fought his illness with strength, grace, and dignity.

Gene was born in Charleston, WV, on January 20, 1945. He graduated from Elkview High School in 1962, was a member of the Air National Guard, and a supervisor at Dupont. He moved to SC and then FL to pursue a career as a hotelier. He was also involved in a variety of business ventures with his long-time friend, George Anderson. Gene was an avid fisherman, a motorcycle enthusiast who enjoyed trips with his friends Wanda and Louie Shacklette, and could build anything, including a 1934 Ford Cabriolet with his good friend Jim Pisors. He enjoyed retirement at his home in Ormond Lakes where he was the first Lakes Committee Chairperson.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Gay Lynn (Moon) Payne; daughters Vickie Payne of Plantation, FL, and Angela Payne-Jelenic of Toronto, ON; son-in-law Gordie Jelenic of Toronto, ON; mother Matilda (Lanham) Payne of Charleston, WV; sisters Delores Douglas of Elkview, WV; Judy Lake (Bill) of Haymarket, VA; Cathy Cauble (Fred) of Murrells Inlet, SC; brother David Payne of Charleston, WV; nephew Chris Lake (Heather) of Palmerton, PA; niece Kimberly Lake of Haymarket, VA. Gene was preceded by his father, Elvin Payne, and brother, Charlie Payne, of Charleston, WV.

Services will be held at Lohman Funeral Home in Ormond Beach at 733 W. Granada Blvd. Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 26th, from 6-8pm. The Memorial Service will be Saturday, Feb. 27th at 10am. The Payne family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Halifax Hospice Ormond Beach and Bishop's Glen. Donations can be made to Halifax Hospice Ormond Beach in his honor.