Emerson Heriod Payne

Emerson Heriod Payne, age 79 of Toccoa, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2013, at his residence.

Born on May 7, 1934, in Stephens County, he was a son of the late Hubert Dorsey and Bessie Mae Pilgrim Payne. Mr. Payne was a truck driver for Stovall Building Supplies and a member of Currahee Baptist Church. He served his country proudly in the United States Army and enjoyed gardening and repairing small engines.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Annie Pearl Payne.
Surviving are loving wife of 30 years, Betty Kimbrell Payne of Toccoa; son and fiancée, Quinton Lewallen & Brandi Criswell of Toccoa; daughter, Melinda Corona of Toccoa; daughter and fiancée, Patricia Lewallen and Allen Cannon of Toccoa; sister, Betty Powell of Eastanollee; brothers, Melvin Payne of Franklin County and Rodney Payne of Jacksonville, FL; nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Funeral services are 2:00 pm Tuesday, September 3, 2013, at the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Rev. Sanford Kimbrell and Rev. Tim Coley officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens with full military honors provided by the Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, Habersham County American Legion Post #84, Rabun County DAV Chapter #15, and the Georgia National Guard.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2-4 & 6-8 pm Monday.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.