Howard Payne

Obituary For Howard Payne

Howard Payne, 80, a man of God, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, brother and friend of many, passed away Monday, July 28,2025, at Toney’s Assisted Living and Memory Care in Oxford, NC.

Born in Danville, VA. was the husband of Ella B. Payne (Lady) for 63 years and son to the late Lester and Francis Payne. He also was proceeded in death by his daughter Lisa Payne Moore.

Howard served in the United States Army for 6 years. He founded Bull City Radiator in 1977. After years in the business, he added on the wrecker service which was his passion. Howard spent many hours serving the Durham and Orange County districts in the wrecker. Even on weekends you could find him at Orange County Speedway where he donated his services to each race. When Howard was not in the wrecker he was often found fishing with his brother or riding in the wind on his beloved motorcycle.

He survives by his wife; Ella B. Payne (Lady); son, Howard (Corkey) Payne Jr (Anna), daughter, Christine Payne; grandchildren whom they raised, Dawn Moore (Scott) and Stephen Moore (Lori), and four additional grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren; brothers Herbert (Karla) and Rodney (Bunny); one sister Judy Knotts; along with many nieces and nephew as Howard was blessed with a very large family.

Visitation Service will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025, at Liberty Baptist Church (3864 Guess Road, Durham, NC 27705), at 1:00 p.m. The Memorial Service will follow the visitation at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions in Howard’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association.