Mr. Herbert Ralph “Tag” Payne, age 87, Jonesborough, passed away Sunday, August 5, 2012 at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center.

Mr. Payne was a native of Washington County and son of the late Vernon Columbus & Myrtle Garst Payne. In addition to his parents, Mr. Payne was also preceded in death by his wife, Betty Light Payne and two brothers, Robert Bruce Payne and Clyde Lee Payne.

He attended Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren.

Mr. Payne was a United States Army Veteran having served as Sergeant during World War II. He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany) and World War II Victory Ribbon.

He retired from AFG Industries after 31 years of service and enjoyed farming all his life.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Vernon “Bo” & Alisa Payne, Telford; two daughters and sons-in-laws, Shelia & Randy Cloyd, Johnson City and Becky & Rick Garst, Jonesborough; grandchildren, Greg Cloyd, Chris Garst, Katie Fox, and Melinda Collins; great-grandchildren, Raina Cloyd, Harley Cloyd, Jake Fox and Lyndee Fox; and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

Funeral services will be conducted 8:00 pm Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Jeremy Dykes and Pastor Russell Junior Payne officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm Tuesday prior to the service.

Interment services will be conducted 1:00 pm Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Boone Dam Post 4933.

Pallbearers will be Chris Garst, Greg Cloyd, Jerome Light, Larry Garst, Mark Garst and Buddy Day. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Huffine, Jeff Payne, John Garst and Leonard Shelton.

The family would like to send special thanks to his caregivers and all the staff of James H. Quillen VA Medical Center for a job well done.