Terry L Payne

Obituary

Terry L. Payne

September 12, 1953 – July 1, 2025

Terry Lee Payne, 71, of Ocala, Florida passed away at Grace Davis Hall Hospice House surrounded by family on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Terry was born on September 12, 1953, the son of Robert Payne, Jr. and Patricia Payne (née Herbert). He was a native of Forestville, New York before moving to Ocala, Florida in 1983. Terry grew up on his family’s fruit farms in Forestville, and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, stock car racing, and many other similar activities. He met his wife, Linda (née Miller), in 1974 and they were married on December 18, 1976, at Forestville United Methodist Church. Together they had two children, the Rev. Fr. Jeremiah L. Payne, and Miranda L. Zacarias (née Payne), and four grandchildren (Dominic, Kristiaan, Gracie, and Alyssa), who he adored. In New York, Terry worked on the family farms, for Ruch’s Motors, and for Niagara Therapy. After moving to Florida, Terry worked for Martin-Marietta, Forest Tackle & Archery, CSI Fencing, and Skate Mania, as well as being a freelance “handyman.” He was a talented woodworker and craftsman, and especially enjoyed working with the scroll saw. When he wasn’t working, Terry continued to enjoy fishing and hunting, along with archery, marksmanship, canoeing, camping, and most especially Walt Disney World, all its parks, and the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds. Terry was best known for his sense of humor and boisterous laugh, his willingness to help anyone in need, his stories about family and friends from “up home,” his ability to converse about all things Disney, and his love for Christmastime and making Christmas special for all the kids.

Terry is survived by his loving wife of nearly 49 years, Linda; his two children: Fr. Jeremiah Payne and Miranda Zacarias; his grandchildren: Dominic, Kristiaan, Gracie, and Alyssa; his siblings-in-law: Jeannine (+Scott) Smith, Arthur (Diane) Miller, Mary Lou (Robert) Anderson, Candace (Joseph) McGowen, and Michelle (Mark) Odebralski; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Patricia Payne, his sister, Debra Payne, his niece, Julia Reddick (née Muscato), his brother-in-law, Scott Smith, as well as his grandparents and most of his aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A viewing and funeral service for Terry will be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services (910 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470). The visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 8, at 2:00 PM, officiated by the Rev. Fr. Brian B. Campbell, a close family friend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Davis Hall Hospice House. Online condolences may be offered at hiers-baxley.net.