Bobby W. Payne, 91, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Cedars Health Center in Tupelo. He was born July 3, 1934, in Nettleton, MS to Fred and Jimmie Lou Monts Payne. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He then earned his Bachelor's Degree from Mississippi State University and proudly wore their colors daily. He built more than a career, he built a life rooted in hard work, faith, service, and a love for the great outdoors. He spent the majority of his professional life in the furniture industry, dedicating himself with leadership, vision and a strong work ethic. He served as production manager at Futorian/Mohasco, co-owner at New Creations, VP of operations at Master Mark, and production manager at Bauhaus. He continued his commitment to service and the community by concluding his career as the Monroe County Administrator. His faith was an important foundation in his life. For several years, he was a Sunday School teacher at Blue Springs Baptist Church. After returning to his roots in Monroe County, he was a devoted member of Central Grove Baptist Church. He was a Mason, a Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner, reflecting his dedication to brotherhood, fellowship, and service. Outside of his professional life, his heart belonged to the outdoors. He cherished hunting trips to Colorado in pursuit of elk, finding both adventure and peace in the mountains. He loved creating woodworking projects with his own hands in his shop and tending to a variety of animals on his hobby farm. Enjoying the great outdoors brought him great satisfaction and reflected his appreciation for simple, meaningful living.

Above all, he treasured time spent with family and friends. His legacy is one of leadership, hard work, and faith. His life was a testament to devotion: to God, to family, to his community, and to the land he loved. He will be remembered for the life he built and the love he gave.

Services will be 2 PM Monday at Lee Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Joshua Payne and Bro. Joseph Jones officiating. Private family burial will follow in Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be 12 – 2 Monday. Lee Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

He is survived by his children, Ricky Payne of Tremont, Melanie Ware (Rickey) of St. George Island, FL, and Jobi Payne of Hernando; 8 grandchildren, Stephanie Jones (Joseph), Joshua Payne (Brianna), Rebecca Payne, Ivy Ware (Rybekah), Bobby Ware, Kyle McKinney (Alex), Paige Zettergren (Taz) and Kendall McKinney; 10 great-grandchildren, Valerie Jones, Johnny Jones, Leahbeth Payne, Joanna Payne, Karsyn McKinney, Vincent McKinney, Thomas Allen Zettergren, Daniel Zettergren and two more great-grandchildren due this year; numerous nieces and nephews

Pallbearers will be Joshua Payne, Bobby Ware, Kendall McKinney, Dennis "Buck" Payne, BJ Payne and Joseph Jones. Honorary Pallbearers will be Kyle McKinney, Ivy Ware, Taz Zettergren, Burnie Payne, Bubba Payne and Matt Payne..

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joanne Edwards Payne; one granddaughter, Sherry Beth Payne; a daughter-in –law, Valerie Payne; his sisters, Juanita DeVall, Lottie Ritter, Olga Rogers, Jimmie Nell Kyle, Ruth Bishop and Leota Payne; his brothers, Ovel Payne, Ross Payne, Joe Glenn Payne and Frank Payne.