Billy Payne, of Conyers, passed away Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, at the age of 88. During his remarkable career at the U.S. Postal Service, Mr. Payne worked many different jobs including his position at the district office in finance and budgeting and his time spent in retail. He was promoted to postmaster in Oxford before he eventually retired after 36 years of dedicated service. In addition to being a charter member of Christ Cornerstone Church, Mr. Payne served faithfully in his role as a trustee. Artistically and musically gifted, he loved playing guitar and was known for his amazing wildlife paintings. Mr. Payne’s presence as a loving and attentive family man will be genuinely missed. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Michael Garner; parents, Ezell and Leila (Tarply) Payne; and five brothers and sisters.

Survivors include the love of his life and adoring wife of 69 years, Mildred "Micki" Payne; daughter and son-in-law, LaJuana and Douglas Garner; son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Jeanne Payne, all of Covington; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Virgil and Emilie Payne of San Antonio, Texas; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service for Mr. Payne was held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 26, at Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, with Pastor Darrell Payne officiating and interment following in Lawnwood Memorial Park, Covington.