Jeff Payne, Jr., age 83 of Blue Ridge, GA passed away on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, TN. Mr. Payne was born on August 8, 1928 in McCaysville, GA, to the late Jeff Payne, Sr. and Edith Bridges Payne. As a teenager he worked at the Doradele and Georgia theaters. He retired after thirty-nine and a half years from Cities Service as a lead burner. Mr. Payne was a member of Youngs Chapel Baptist Church. He was known for his quiet nature, his willingness to help others, and his love of jokes.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Ruby Young Payne of the home; son, Jeffrey Scott Payne of Athens, GA; sisters-in-law, Bernice Young of Blue Ridge, GA and Lois Young of Ozark, AL; several nieces; nephews, and cousins also survive.

Funeral services were conducted on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. Max Curtis officiating. Scripture reading was by Betsy Weinrich. Music was by Youngs Chapel Baptist Church Choir. Pallbearers were James Young, Jimmy Dotson, Robert Young, James Barnes, Junior Young, and Mickey Hulsey. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Copperhill High School class of 1948: Lowery Abernathy, Don Campbell, Cathryn McCarter, and Ruth Ross. Interment followed in the Youngs Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. David Mashburn officiating. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements.