Steven S. Payne

  Steven Samuel Payne, 64, of Fairfield, NC, died peacefully at his home on January 24, 2023. Steve, as he was affectionately known, was born in Washington, NC on April 3, 1958, to the late Oscar and Sallie Mooney Payne. He graduated from Mattamuskeet High School in Swan Quarter, NC in 1976.

Steve earned his living in real estate, farming, trucking, and working in state government with the NC Forest Service and the NC Department of Correction. He retired from Hyde Correctional Institution in Swan Quarter, NC.

Steve is survived by one son, Joseph Russell Payne of Rocky Mount, NC, two sisters, Patricia Payne Gibbs of Fairfield, NC, and Beadie Payne Gibbs of Engelhard, NC. He is also survived by his nieces, Jennifer G. Sadler (Michael), Christal G. Berry, and Jenna S. Mann (Tyler), and one nephew, Michael Dean Sadler (Lindsey).

Steve was cared for in his home by two very special friends, Maureen Barriteau and Diane Skurjunis. Steve also leaves behind his beloved four-legged friends Buddy and Peachie.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by two brothers, Spencer Everett Payne and J Hugh Payne, and two sisters, Lillian Payne Sawyer and Edith Payne Aaron.

A graveside funeral service for Steve will be held at Fulford Cemetery on North Lake Road in Engelhard, NC on Friday, January 27, 2023, at 2:00 pm. Michael Lee Gibbs will officiate. The NC Department of Adult Correction Honor Guard will also present honors at the funeral service. After the service, the family will receive friends at the home of Patricia P. Gibbs at 8280 N. Lake Road in Fairfield, NC. No visitation will be held at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Steven S. Payne, please visit our Tree Store.