George “Shank” Payne

George “Shank” Payne, 78, of Williamsburg, passed away Thursday March 15, 2018 at Beech Tree Manor Nursing Home in Jellico, TN.

He was born May 3, 1939 in Williamsburg, to the late Carson Payne Sr. and the late Fannie Perkins Payne.

Along with his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers Johnny Hugh Payne, Ernest Delbert Payne and William Alfred Payne. He was a longtime member and deacon of Kensee Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Jellico Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his wife Emilee Jeffers Payne of Williamsburg; three daughters; Deborah Strunk (Rev. Leonard) of Williamsburg, Janice Goins (Robbie) of Jacksboro, TN, Patricia Halcomb (Brent) of Williamsburg; two grandchildren; Emily Ann Woods (Justin) and Luke Halcomb; three sisters; Dolly Williams of Xenia, OH, Selma Herron of Knoxville, TN, Nannie Sue Davis (J.L.) of Jellico, TN; brother Carson Payne Jr. of Monticello, KY; two sister-in-laws; Laura Payne of Clinton, TN and Rachel Payne of Soddy Daisy, TN, several nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his passing.

Funeral service was held Sunday, March 18, at the Ellison Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Leonard Strunk and Rev. Wayne Barton officiating.

Masonic rites were conducted prior to the funeral service at the funeral home by the Jellico Masonic Lodge #527.

Interment will be in Clearfork Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Richard Prewitt, Ben Prewitt, David Halcomb, Cas Payne, Justin Woods, Luke Halcomb, Dewayne Jeffers and Wayne Barton.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at Alz.org.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com

Ellison Funeral Home was entrusted with these arrangements