George Lewis Payne

George Lewis Payne, 82, of Lynchburg, Virginia departed this life at Lynchburg General Hospital on Thursday, September 24, 2026. He was born in Amherst County to the late John Payne and Agnes Hunt Payne.

George Lewis, as he was affectionately called, was a friendly, funny, and dapper man who never met a stranger. Whether striking up a conversation with someone he had just met or simply greeting them with a warm wave, George had a way of making people feel welcome. He loved his family dearly and always enjoyed spending time together at family gatherings. George was also a proud and devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, always ready to cheer on his team. George Lewis was also a hard, dedicated worker and retired from the town of Amherst after over thirty years of service.

George leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Sylvia and Georgette Payne; four grandchildren, Dalanta Payne, Achaia Hardy, Ayanna Payne, and Jayde Payne; two great-grandchildren, Amiyah and Karson Payne; ex-wife, Gertrude Payne; siblings, Charles Payne (Ruby), Alvester Payne (Eleanor), Willie Payne, Sr., Shirley Best, Lottie Payne, Beth Payne, and Helen Payne; sisters-in-law, Shirley Payne and Constance Henley; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other close relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, George is preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, one sister, Mary Ann Payne; two brothers, John Payne, III and Thomas Payne; one grandson Berius Hardy; one sister-in-law, Mary Massie Payne; and one brother-in-law, Jerry Best.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is serving the family.