Mr. Clyde Lee Payne, 82, Jonesborough, passed away Friday, April 20, 2012, at his residence.

Mr. Payne was a native of Jonesborough and son of the late Vernon & Myrtle Garst Payne. In addition to his parents, Mr. Payne was also preceded in death by his wife, Gayle Payne; infant son, Sherman David Payne; and one brother, Bruce Payne.

He was a member of the Fairview United Methodist Church.

Mr. Payne was an Army veteran and served in the Korean War.

He lived in the Sulphur Springs community. Mr. Payne started the first Volunteer Fire Department in Sulphur Springs and was the first fire chief.

Mr. Payne was owner and operator of Gayle’s Restaurant and Elm’s Restaurant. He also worked at Payne Sausage.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Jeff & Peggy Payne, Gray; two daughters, Susan Burleson, Kingston, TN and Julie Lane, Jonesborough; four grandchildren, Michael Lee Burleson, Ryan D. Burleson, Heather Lane, and Robbie Lane; and one brother, Herbert “Tag” Payne, Jonesborough.

Funeral services will be conducted 3:00 pm Sunday, April 22, 2012 at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Junior Payne officiating and Mr. Dale Ford. The family will receive friends from 1:00 �" 3:00 pm Sunday prior to the service.

Interment services will follow at Sulphur Springs Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be the Sulphur Springs Volunteer Fire Department and family.

The family would like to give a special thank you to caregivers, Waunna Harris and Meeccia Kyle, for their loving care and devotion to their father.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sulphur Springs Fire Department.