William "Hoyt" Payne, age 87, of Ellijay, passed into the eternal peace of Abraham's bosom at home on June 20th, 2025, surrounded by family.

Hoyt was born to his late parents William Dread and Thelma (Higdon) Payne in Fannin County on February 22nd, 1938.

He was a member of Crossroads Baptist Church. For many years, he was a timber cutter, and retired from the carpet industry. He is preceded in death by brother, Johnny Payne and nephew Kendall Payne, along with his in-laws, Earnest and Dessie Sluder, and Brothers-in-law Jimmy Tatum and William Maynard.

Hoyt was an avid hunter and fisherman and passed the love of the outdoors on to his son, Terry.

Hoyt is survived by his wife of 66 years, Pauline Sluder Payne of the home, Son and Daughter-in-law, Terry and Tammie Payne, granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Jessica and Dustin Green, sisters, Mildred Payne Maynard of Ringgold, sister and brother-in-law, Coletta (Payne-Tatum) and Paul Weeks of Chatsworth, and Steve and Belda Payne of Ellijay, sister and brother-in-law, Jane (Sluder) and Bobby McArthur, brother and sisterin-law, Jerry and Geneva Payne of Chatsworth. several nieces/nephews, and great nieces/nephews also survive along with special friends Terry Joe and Vicky Hamby and Junior and Gail Dotson.

The family would also like to extend their gratitude to Willowbrook Hospice of Ellijay for their concern and care of Hoyt and Pauline at this time.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 23rd, at 2 P.M. from the Crossroads Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Banks, Rev. Eddie Kerr, and Rev. Billy Dotson officiating. Bluegrass music will be played by Terry Joe Hamby and friends. Graveside interment will follow in the Crossroads Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jamie Payne, Stacy Paynee, Stefan Payne, Jamie Clayton, Phillip Dotson, and Dustin Green. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Payne, Steve Payne, Paul Weeks, Bobby McArthur, Terry Joe Hamby, and Junior Dotson. The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 22nd, from 4 P.M. until 8 P.M. and on Monday, June 23rd, from 10 A.M. until 1:30 P.M. at the Logan Funeral Home.

Flowers are being accepted in memory of Mr. Hoyt Payne.

Online condolences may be shared at www.loganfuneralhome.com. Logan Funeral Home & Chapel of Ellijay is in charge of arrangements.