Rev. Lewis Eugene Payne, US Army, Ret., age 86 of Morganton, passed on Friday March 18th, 2022. Rev. Payne was born on June 14th, 1935 to his late parents, Arnold Eugene and Myrtle Jane (Dry) Payne in Concord, NC. Lewis was an honorably discharged, U.S. Army retiree with over 24 years of service. He also served during both the Korean and Vietnam wars. Rev. Payne was of the Christian faith and a member of the Oak Hill Independent Church. He was the founder of the Veteran's Memorial Park in Ellijay. Rev. Payne was the founder and pastor of Eagle's Wings Ministry. Lewis was a dedicated member of the North Georgia Honor Guard for numerous years. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Alice Payne and son, Ricky Payne. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday March 22, 2022 from the Logan Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Edward Ledford officiating. Military honors will follow in the Logan Funeral Home Pavilion with military rites performed by the North Georgia Honor Guard. Interment will take place at the Chastain Memorial Park in Blue Ridge, GA. Rev. Payne is survived by his wife of 9 years, Sandra Jane (Sutton) Payne of Morganton, stepdaughter and son-in-law, Connie & David Parrish of Morganton, son, Ronnie E. Payne of Reidsville, GA, stepson, Glen E. Forte of Blue Ridge, GA, step grandchildren, Spring Wishart, Kevin Wishart, Chris Brewer, Matthew Colbert, Dadrian Flowers, Gage Forte, Brice Forte, Skye June, Ocean Forte, great grandchildren, Chloe Anna Wishart, Caroline Wishart, sister-in-law, Dorothy Mimbs of Elkin, NC and his beloved dog, Victoria. The family will receive friends on Monday March 21st from 5:00pm-8:00pm at the funeral home. Flowers are being accepted, or donations may be made to the North Georgia Honor Guard in memory of Rev. Payne. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.loganfuneralhome.com. Logan Funeral Home & Chapel in charge of the arrangements.