Mr. Thomas Lee Payne, age 71, of Johnson City, passed away at the Johnson City Medical Center on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

He was born on April 8, 1954, to the late Stacy Payne and Fern Searcey, in Jonesborough, Tennessee.

Thomas proudly served his country in the United States Navy and carried that same strength and dedication into every part of his life. Known for his remarkable work ethic, he spent 25 years at White’s Grocery Store, where his reliability and knowledge touched everyone around him. An avid Dollywood season passholder, he loved sharing simple joys with others and teaching his children the survival skills he believed truly mattered. He cherished Saturday bonfires and get-togethers, Sunday drives filled with beautiful landscapes, and peaceful days spent fishing. A man who saw himself as a mix between John Wayne and J.R. Ewing, he lived with a blend of true grit, charm, and humor. A fiddler, a fixer, and someone who could never sit still for long. Thomas was always moving, always helping, and always caring.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Steve Payne.

Survivors include his daughter, Brandi Kelly (J.J. Kelly); sons, Brandon Payne, Chuck Lewis, and Chris Lewis; grandson, Jackson Kelly; brother, Donnie Payne (Angela Payne); several nieces, nephews, and other close personal friends.

Memorial Services will be held at 1:30 PM, Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will follow at Mountain Home National Cemetery at 3:00 PM, with military honors provided.

In lieu of flowers or organizational donations, the family invites contributions to be directly given to the family through Venmo: @Brandiesel-Kelly or to the funeral home. This will help with current needs and expenses as Dad, even after his Parkinson’s diagnosis was not receiving full veteran benefits. Your generosity is deeply appreciated and will make a meaningful difference as we navigate what is to come our way.