Herman Whitaker Payne

Herman Whitaker Payne, 79, of Rocky Mount, VA, claimed the joy of resurrection on November 15, 2024. Born on January 2, 1945, in Sabinal, TX to Herman Woodrow Payne and Mildred Babore, Herman was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. 

Preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, whom he thought of as a father, Ronaldo Babore, his wife of over 40 years, Dawn Leslie (Sandner) Payne, and his siblings, Howard Hardin and Betty Gulick, Herman is survived by his son, Rev. Clayton Payne, and his daughter-in-law, Rev. Sarah Payne, and grandson, Cody Payne, his dear sister, Debbie Allan and husband, Frank, and his other siblings, Monroe Hermes, Richard Payne, Linda Johnson, and their families. 

Herman served his country in the U.S. Army for five years and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. Following his military service, Herman eventually settled in Pahrump, NV where he lived with his beloved, Dawn, raised their son, built life-long friendships, and was active in civic life. A skilled electrician and general contractor, Herman often shared his abilities with others whether that was rewiring an electrical panel for a friend or helping his daughter-in-law hang shelves. Even when the challenges of aging made helping more difficult, he was willing to lend a hand. 

Herman always enjoyed telling stories, fishing, and firearms. He moved to Rocky Mount, Virginia following Dawn’s passing in 2020. He missed her every day but took solace in the nearness of his family and the community of Redwood UMC. Herman took pride in his family’s accomplishments and celebrated their successes. He encouraged Clayton in his preaching and shared his faith. Never one to shy away, Herman would tell anyone who would listen about Jesus, frequently quoting John 3:16. 

 A celebration of Herman's life will be held on January 10th, 2025, at 11 AM at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, with Rev. Drew Ensz officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Herman's memory to either Redwood UMC’s Building Fund or Trinity Annual Conference’s Disaster Relief Fund. 

 Redwood UMC’s Building Fund

By check: Redwood UMC, 3001 Old Franklin Tpke, Rocky Mount, VA 24151

Online: https://onrealm.org/RedwoodUMC/-/form/give/CGDFTOAKRC

Trinity Annual Conference Disaster Relief Fund By check: Trinity Conference of the GMC, 6363 Research Forest Drive The Woodlands, TX 77381 

Online: https://trinitygmc.churchcenter.com/giving

The funeral service will be livestreamed on our Facebook Page and also on our YouTube Channel.

 Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.