Franklin Horace Payne

Mr. Franklin Horace Payne, age 94, passed away Friday, October 23, 2026.

Mr. Payne was born July 28, 1932, in Cave Spring, Georgia, son of the late John L. Payne and Maude Victoria Huckaby Payne.

Mr. Payne was the oldest active member of Cave Spring Baptist Church, where he faithfully served and worshiped throughout the years. He retired after 50 years of dedicated service with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 72. A proud United States Army veteran, he valued hard work and staying busy. He found great joy in gardening, especially growing his famous tomatoes, and enjoyed cheering on the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Tech football. Above all, he was a loving husband of 70 years, a devoted father, and a proud grandfather who treasured his family above all else. The time he spent with his loved ones brought him great joy, and he will be remembered for his love, dedication, and the lasting impact he made on those around him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Payne is preceded in death by his sisters: Carrie Webb, Gladys Jordan, Fannie Willingham, Allie Grimes, and Betty Ann Hunt; and brothers: Daniel Payne, John Payne, Jack Payne, and Yancy Payne. 

Mr. Payne is survived by his beloved wife of seventy years, Mrs. “Nell” Lynette Studdard Payne; children: Jeff Payne and his wife, Jan, Gwen Carr and her husband, Jerry, and Lynn Garrett and her husband, “Humpy”; grandchildren: Courtney Verdier, Whitney Crumley, Josh Carr, Cody Carr, Brandy Alexander, and Michelle White; great- grandchildren: Lilly Verdier, Elizabeth Verdier, Charlotte Crumley, Rhett Carr, Addi Carr, Briggs Carr, Tanner Alexander, Tatum Alexander, and Cameron White; brother, Tom Payne; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services to honor a life well lived will be held Monday, October 26, 2026, in the sanctuary of Cave Spring Baptist Church, at 2:00 PM, with Reverend Dr. Jarrod Kinsey, and Mr. Tom Payne officiating.

Mr. Payne’s family will receive friends on Monday at Cave Spring Baptist Church from12:00 PM until the service hour.

Interment will follow in Cave Spring Cemetery, and military rites will be performed by the American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Josh Carr, Cody Carr, Brandon Alexander, Austin Wooten, Eric Crumley, Danny Verdier, and Chris Wallace.

The family kindly requests that flowers be omitted and memorial contributions may be made to Cave Spring Baptist Church in his memory.

The Smith & Miller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Franklin Horace Payne.