Pastor Donald J Payne

Reverend Donald Jerry Payne, 81, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on December 9, 2022 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Gaston County, on August 30, 1941 and was the son of the late Calvin Burt and Velcie Whisenant Payne. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Bobbie Jenkins Payne; his son, Christopher Charles Payne; siblings, Ray, Richard, Calvin, Bobbie, Alfred, Inez, Edna, and Ann Biggerstaff.

Donald proudly worked as Market Manager for Winn Dixie for over 30 years. He was also a Minister for most of his life, serving at many Gaston County churches, and currently serving as the Pastor of Mountain View FWB Church. He was also the founder of Ranlo’s Santa’s mailbox of Gaston County. Donald was also a former member of Spencer Mountain Fire Department.

He is survived by his children, Mike Payne (Amy), Donna Norman, Jeff Payne (Jennifer); grandchildren, Chris Norman (Anna), Matt Norman (Dena), Jesse Norman (Brittany), Jeremy Norman (Lillian), David Norman, Brandon Payne, Mikey Payne, Gabby Payne and Shelby Kraft (Tom); sixteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Shirley McSwain, Joyce Hoffman, and Faye Simonds; several wonderful nieces and nephews; and his loving church family.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 15 at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 16 at Ranlo Baptist Church, 1517 Spencer Mountain Road, Gastonia, with Pastors Sherman Branch, Bob Sneed, Don Whitney, and Cecil Spry officiating.

Interment will follow at Hollywood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mountain View FreeWill Baptist Church, P.O. Box 682, Dallas, NC  28034

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.