Mr. Raymond Howard Payne

I met Raymond when I worked at Open Door Ministries. We prepared and served many meals together over the years. I was so impressed with his life story, his dark day's smile, and his canny ability to show up when and where needed. My life was blessed by Raymond Payne. He helped me to see homelessness through different eyes and love them with a different heart. He lived his life showing others Love and encouraging them to Love more. His motto; what the world needs now is Love and let it start with me. Rest in peace. My sympathy and condolences to the Payne Family.

In Honor of Raymond Payne Husband. Stepfather. Grandfather. Veteran. Friend.

Steady as the tide, Raymond stood— a harbor for hearts, a shield in storms, a compass of wisdom etched in salt and steel.

For Patricia, he was laughter in the quiet, a hand held through every season, a vow lived daily.

To Dwayne and Tamika, he was strength wrapped in kindness, a steady voice, a man who showed up when others stepped back.

To Jaida, Javen, Mary Grace, Jody, and Victory— he was stories at dusk, jokes that danced through rooms, a teacher of truth, a builder of dreams.

To Alaia and Zaydan, he was gentle eyes, a lap of safety, a legacy unfolding.

To Gloria, the neighbor, he was a wave, a watchful eye, a porchlight of peace.

To friends— he was laughter, loyalty, a man who knew when to speak, and when to simply be.

And to his country, he gave his youth, his courage, his honor— a sailor who came home with dignity in his stride and service in his soul.

Now, he sails a higher sea, where love is the anchor, and peace the shore.

Fair winds, Raymond Payne. You are loved beyond measure.

I was deeply saddened by the news that Mr. Payne had passed. My deepest condolences and sympathy to his wife and his family. I will keep his memory alive by renaming the Thomasville Black History Month celebration to the Raymond Payne Black History Month celebration.

We extend our sincere condolences, love, and prayers to the family of Mr. Raymond Payne. We express our gratitude to the life, legacy, lineage, and labor of Mr. Payne. His commitment and contribution to the local community and surrounding areas shall forever remain unmatched. May our Kind Father provide comfort and strength to his family in the days, months, and years to come.

Condolences from the Norman family. RIP my Brother and thanks for everything you did for the community. 😇

To the Payne Family, the Officers and Members of Brookhaven share in the Homecoming of your love one. May you find Comfort and Peace during this time.

Praying for the family he was a good man, already smiled and talk to me about my family.

To Minister Patricia Payne and family, may you continue to be covered in God's Grace and Mercy. We're sending you Our Deepest Heartfelt Condolences. Much love Tammie Kevin Teddy and Kee

To my family We loss a real one. May my great uncle rest in peace. He wouldn't want no crying over him but he would like to be celebrated for who he was. All my great uncles are resting in peace with Great- Grandma Frankie, they having a ball! ❤️

We will continue to keep the family in our thoughts and prayers.May God continue to comfort you all

To the Payment family we are sorry for your loss and offer our condolences.

Our condolences to the Payne family. Ronald and Jane Beatty

To a man that was a like a brother to my father and a man that was my Godfather! I will forever cherish our political conversations, (you always cracked me up), our conversations about family, and working with you to help the homeless population and others in need. Even with the challenges you faced during your time here, you managed to make an impact in lives of people you came in contact with. Rest easy Uncle Raymond you certainly deserve it!!

Love you Mona

I met Raymond when I was a cashier at the Family Dollar,he was a very nice young man.

My deepest sympathy and prayers to his family

Raymond was family and friend for many decades. We were classmates too. Hadn't seen him in years but I remember the fun times we had. Rest in peace and love now.

Our condolences to the Raymond Payne family as you grieve his passing. Our Prayers are with you and for you at this difficult time. Raymond was a helper whenever he could be. Helping the homeless was his ministry and he will be greatly missed. Take your rest Payne cause your race has been won.Earth's Loss is Heaven's Gain!🕊️ Magaline F. Bowman & Family

Magaline Farabee Bowman

Pat and the rest of the Payne family. You have our condolences. I have known Raymond for 70 years. We started school together in the first grade and finished school together. We have been friends for life. We pray that he is finally at rest.

I have known Raymond for many years. I know that he had a good heart and believed in helping the communities in Thomasville and High Point. He was very intelligent. You could talk to him for hours about many different things. He was all about helping the less fortunate. I'll miss you my friend. God gift to us was you. An angel 😇 on earth.

Mr. Raymond Payne will be missed by many. He was such a pillar in the community of Thomasville and High Point.

I knew Raymond through Open Door Shelter and Rabbit Quarter Ministries. I am grateful to call him a friend. It was my honor to help furnish food and gifts for the meal he provided Open Door at holiday times, and to attend and help serve the meal. Beyond that, if I ever had something to donate (TVs, mattress, household goods), he knew someone in need and I could be assured it was put to use immediately. Heaven gained a true Servant and Saint. My condolences to his family.

Marilyn Groome

IM going to miss you my friend Working with you at the men shelter how your compassion will always be remembered

Raymond you will be missed by many

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.