Reuben Saunders "Sandy" Payne

Reuben Saunders “Sandy” Payne went to his heavenly home on January 16, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 20,1928 in Knoxville Tennessee where he lived most of his life. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cornelia Mellen Payne and his father, Reuben S. Payne. Sandy attended Sequoyah Elementary School, Tyson Junior High, Knoxville High School and The University of Tennessee. He was a Boy Scout and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. His love for the Smoky Mountains began when he was a camper at Camp LeConte at Elkmont. He enjoyed the many activities they had, hiking, swimming, rafting, and canoeing. In school he always participated in various sports, basketball, tennis and his senior year in high school, track. He ran on the UT track team from 1947-1949, a team that in 1993 began to refer to themselves as The Ancients and had reunions from that time on. He was a member of the Letterman’s Club and his name is on the UTK Wall of Fame. He was a lifelong supporter of UT athletics and a Vol for life. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Kearsarge from 1951-1955. When he returned to Knoxville, he was part owner of a restaurant and managed a golf driving range. He became interested in real estate and devoted most of his life to it. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and in 1959 met Pat there. They began dating and were married in 1960. In 1965 they and their two children became members of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church. They had found their church home. Their lives there were blessed in many ways through the teaching from the pulpit, the children’s programs, Sunday School classes, the music program, friendships and the love extended to them and their children. Sandy was a man of integrity, loyalty and service. He volunteered at the Volunteer Ministry Center and Joni and Friends. Sandy and Pat enjoyed traveling, but one of Sandy’s favorite places on earth was the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, one of the few remaining Chautauquas. He spent time with his family growing up there and in later years continued to participate in their many opportunities for spiritual, educational, recreational and cultural growth. It gave him great joy to share this special place with his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Elinor “Pat” Payne; his daughters, Laura Payne and Susan (Mac) Prevost; his grandchildren, Daniel (Megan) Henson, Sarah Henson, and David Henson; sister, Mary Mellen Jarrett; sisters-in-law, Sue Farthing, Dottie Peters, Kathy Nunamaker (Lawrence), Janet Denny; many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Ben Atchley Veterans Home and its caregivers for their love and compassion during his time there and Amedisys Hospice caregivers while at home. Visitation will be Saturday, February 4 at 12 p.m. at Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann, 6200 Kingston Pike followed by a Celebration of Sandy’s life at 1 p.m. Military Honors will be performed at the Highland Memorial Cemetery at 3 p.m. by the East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to: Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church Missions Fund, 9132 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923; Joni and Friends TN, 410 S. Northshore Dr., Knoxville, TN 37919; Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, 1 Assembly Ave., Box 307 Monteagle, TN 37356. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com

Tributes

Reuben Saunders "Sandy" Payne

September 20, 1928 - January 16, 2023