Wilbert H. "Pete" Payne

Wilbert Hulon Payne was born on August 10, 1936, to Zebedee and Alberta (Stockdale) Payne in Paris, Tennessee. He was the youngest of 11 children, nine of whom preceded him in death. He received his education in Paris, Tennessee schools and attended Fisk University for one year, the first in his family for higher education. Education meant a lot to Pete, and he worked hard to give his children all the education he could.

Wilbert, affectionately known as Pete, received Christ at an early age and had a great love for gospel music. He married his high school sweetheart, Martha Lane (Porter) Payne and from this union two children were born. Martha preceded him in death early into their marriage. After staying in Paris to raise his children with his parents-in-law, Mr. Charlie and Mrs. EllaBell Porter, Pete moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he met and married Deborah Ann (Smith) Payne while both were working at the Indianapolis International Airport. Pete was employed at the airport for 42 years, and he loved his job as a skycap because he met many interesting people. He was a committed union representative where he advocated for his peers. Many of whom expressed their appreciation to him for his role in helping them maintain dignity and benefits on the job.

Pete was blessed with many loved ones whom he cherished. He was preceded in death by a close brother-in-law, Baxter Porter, a son, Rodney Atkinson, and a daughter, Iva Clarice (Payne) Hunter. Pete leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Deborah, son, Ronnie L. (Bobbi) Payne, son, Deon Atkinson, daughter, Robyn D. Payne, son, Randyn D. (Elizabeth) Payne, daughter, Dr. Rhemma D. Payne, son, Roryck D. Payne, daughter, Andrea N. Denning Payne, and grandchildren, Dustin Payne, Melanie Hunter, Corey Payne, Victoria Payne, Isabel Payne, Beatrice Payne, great-grandchildren, Savian Payne, Ariah Payne, sisters, Arnel Teague, Hattie Pate, two bonus daughters, Evelyn Crawford, and Terricina Crawford, two loving nephews Vaxter Pate, and Dennis Weathers, Jr., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones.

Pete departed his earthly vessel to peacefully go home to eternal life on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at 86 years, 8 months, and 6 days.

Humbly submitted by the family