Leland Eugene Payne, 66, of Ash, died Saturday, September 6, 2014, at his home surrounded by his family.
Mr. Payne was born on December 9, 1947, in Riverdale, Md., a son of the late Joyce Taylor. He was raised by the late Arlo Wendell and Marya Szocki Adams.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and served two tours in Vietnam. Achieving the rank of captain, he demonstrated unselfish leadership with his platoon. He was the true leader through the jungle and rice patties, where he earned two purple hearts from tripping separate boobie traps at two different times. He will always be remembered for sacrificing for others.

He also was the past chief of Monroe Police Dept., Ga., and later retired from the U.S. Postal Service. He enjoyed coaching football, baseball, and soccer with Brunswick Co. Parks & Rec.

He was the co-founder of Anointed Vessels Ministry, Ash, NC.

Surviving are his wife, Diana Sweatt Payne; son, Christopher C. Payne, & wife, Michalle, of Ash; daughter, Diana Marie Flores, & husband, Arturo, of Athens, GA; two brothers, Michael Adams, & wife, Susie, of Waldorf, MD, and Shawn Taylor, of Defuniak Springs, FL; two sisters, Wanda Lee Walker, & husband, George B., of Richmond, VA, and Debbie Webb, & husband, John, of Defuniak Springs, FL; three grandchildren, Sarah Davis, Carson Davis, and Zechariah Payne; amd numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be conducted at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery with military honors.
Visitation will be on Monday, September 8, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Family request in lieu of flowers memorials be directed to Anointed Vessels Ministry, 3272 Liberty Street, Ash, NC 28420.

Private online condolences may be sent to the family at brunswickfuneralservice.com.