The Rev. Lewis Eugene Payne

The Rev. Lewis Eugene Payne, U.S. Army, Ret., 86, of Morganton, died Friday, March 18, 2022.

He was born June 14, 1935, to the late Arnold Eugene and Myrtle Jane Dry Payne in Concord, N.C.

He was an honorably discharged, U.S. Army retiree with over 24 years of service. He also served during both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was of the Christian faith and was a member of Oak Hill Independent Church.

He was the founder of the Veteran’s Memorial Park in Ellijay and was the founder and pastor of Eagle’s Wings Ministry. He was a dedicated member of the North Georgia Honor Guard for numerous years.

He is preceded in death by first wife, Mary Alice Payne; and son, Ricky Payne.

He is survived by wife of nine years, Sandra Jane Sutton Payne; stepdaughter and son-in-law, Connie and David Parrish, of Morganton; son, Ronnie E. Payne, of Reidsville; stepson, Glen E. Forte, of Blue Ridge; step-grandchildren, Spring Wishart, Kevin Wishart, Chris Brewer, Matthew Colbert, Gage Forte, Brice Forte, Skye June and Ocean Forte; great-grandchildren, Chloe Anna Wishart and Caroline Wishart; sister-in-law, Dorothy Mimbs, of Elkin, N.C.; and beloved dog, Victoria.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2022, from the Logan Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Edward Ledford officiating.

Military honors followed in the Logan Funeral Home Pavilion with military rites performed by the North Georgia Honor Guard.

Interment was at the Chastain Memorial Park in Blue Ridge.

Donations can be made to the North Georgia Honor Guard in memory of the Rev. Payne.

Condolences can be made at www.loganfuneralhome.com.

Logan Funeral Home & Chapel was in charge of arrangements.