James Arthur “Shorty” Payne, 62, of Maplesville, passed away on April 18, 2025 at his residence.
He was born on February 11, 1963, the youngest child of Lavett and Blossom Payne. He grew up in the small town of Maplesville, and spent his childhood riding his bike to town and playing in the creek. He was spoiled by his older siblings as the baby of the family. He graduated from Maplesville High School in 1981, and continued his education at George C. Wallace Community College for two years and J.P. Technical College in Montgomery for one year.
He worked for many years at International Paper and then later for Norfolk Southern Railroad. He married his wife, Melisa, on March 5, 1988. They had two sons, Jonathan and Josh, and two wonderful grandchildren, Harrison and Lucy, who were the light of his life.
Shorty was a very talented craftsman and could build anything he set his mind to. He loved metal detectors, searching for arrowheads along the creek bank, working on old tractors, and collecting antique tools.
One of his favorite things to do was travel on the Highway 11 Yard Sale and attend various estate sales, searching for new treasures to bring home. He was especially proud that he was able to take his grandson, Harrison, on some of those trips. In the last few months, when his baby granddaughter Lucy came to visit, you could visibly see the love in his eyes for her.
Shorty believed in the power of prayer and spent time daily praying for those he knew who were sick and in need. Many have also been praying for Shorty for some time, and on April 18, 2025 he was perfectly healed and entered the gates of his Heavenly home.
Surviving are his Wife, Melisa LeNoir Payne; Son, Jonathan (Holly) Payne; Son, Josh (Ashton) Payne; Grandson, Harrison Payne; Granddaughter, Lucy Payne; Mother-in-Law, Betty LeNoir Nassaney; Siblings, Andy (Debbie) Payne, Shelia (David) Davenport, and Albert Payne; Special Friends, Ronald and Carol Lenoir and Greg and Peggy Dunkin; His Beloved Pet, Charlie Dog.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lavett and Blossom Payne; Father-in-Law, Dewey LeNoir, Step Father-in-Law, George Nassaney.
Friends will be received on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 6:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M at Faith Baptist Church in Plantersville, Alabama.
An additional viewing will be held on Tueday, April 22, 2025, from 1:00 P.M until 2:00 P.M. Following the viewing, services will begin on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at Faith Baptist Church in Plantersville, Alabama with Reverend Lynn Rowe and Reverend Johnny Dutton officiating.
Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Maplesville, Alabama.
Martin Funeral Home directing.
You may leave online condolences for the family on the guest registry at www.martinfuneralhomeinc.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Arthur Payne, please visit our flower store.Faith Baptist Church
Faith Baptist Church
Faith Baptist Church
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