/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/876/518417/I2BLX4spYxpwYOsERaymondPayne_0001.jpeg)
Obituary For Mr. Raymond Howard Payne
Mr. Raymond Howard Payne passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his wife, stepson, and sister-in-law. He was born and raised in Thomasville, NC, to the late Frankie Lula Jackson Payne and Willie Lee Payne. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Willis βRedβ Jackson, William Allen Payne, and Jerry Lee Payne.
After graduating from Church Street School in Thomasville, NC, in 1968, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served honorably from 1974 to 1977. After leaving the United States Navy, Raymond worked various jobs, before retiring in 2013.
Raymond was the founder and CEO of Rabbit Quarter Ministry. This ministry paved the way for many open doors, enabling him to work with the homeless, the needy, and anyone who needed a helping hand, making a meaningful impact in many lives.
Those who will cherish his precious memories include his wife of 25 years, Patricia Gibson Payne, of the home; two stepchildren, Dewayne Gibson and Tamika Kumah, both of High Point, NC; five grandchildren, Mary Grace, Victoria, Jadia, Jaeven, and Jody Jr.; two great-grandchildren, Zaydan and Alaia; three sisters, Maxine Pettus of Washington, DC, Willie Jean (Charles) Brown of Greensboro, NC, and Mary (Robert) Scott of Thomasville, NC; as well as a host of other loving family members and friends.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.
Photos & Video
Condolences & Tributes
Add A Condolence
Condolences from the Norman family. RIP my Brother and thanks for everything you did for the community. π
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! β€οΈ
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
/religious/dove.jpg)
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!ποΈ 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 π 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.
