Walter Payne

Walter Payne, Sr. (Peewee) was born in Sanford, North Carolina, on November 12, 1944, to Hughey Payne and Evelyn Cameron Payne. Walter was ushered into the arms of the Lord on Monday, January 9, 2023. 

Walter graduated in 1964 from Darden High School in Wilson, NC.  After graduating from high school, he came to Washington, DC with only $10.00 in his pocket. After moving in with a friend, he began working for the Hot Shoppes, Inc. bussing tables. He had many places of employment before realizing he had a love for driving, which prompted him to apply for a position as a bus operator in the District of Columbia Public Schools System (DCPS). After a few years of working for the DCPS, he started working for Greyhound Bus services. In 1965 he began his career with DC Transit, which later changed over in 1975 to WMATA (Metro).

Walter wasn’t content in being a bus operator, he wanted better, so he enrolled in Engineering School and received certification as an engineer. Once completed he was promoted to a Train Operator. Walter retired in 2005 after more than 40 many years of transportation service. 

Walter accepted Christ as a young adult.  He joined Union Temple Baptist Church in Washington, DC under the leadership of Rev. Willie F. Wilson, Pastor Emeritus. Most recently, when he became very sick and could no longer get around, he watched a variety of TV ministries. Creflo Dollar was one of his favorites.  

Walter was a man of faith, a man of honor, and a man of integrity—the attributes of a Great Warrior. As with all people, Walter (Peewee) Payne had trials, tribulations and challenges in his life. However, he never allowed circumstances to undermine his faith. To know Walter (Peewee) Payne was to love him. Although he had a wonderful since of humor, he had a mildness about himself that seemed to draw others to him. He was a man of wisdom, and he gave words of encouragement to everyone he encountered. He will be missed big time!

Preceding Walter in death were his parents: Hughey Payne, Sr. and Evelyn Cameron Payne; his brothers: John Campbell, Edison R. Payne, and Donald Campbell; and sisters: Lillie Mae Campbell and Lucille Payne Christian.   

Left to cherish his legacy of love are his wife of fifty-six years, Rev. Doris E. Payne; three sons, Darryl K. Payne (Robin) of Capital Heights, MD; Walter Payne, Jr. (Amy) of Washington, DC; and Duane J. Payne of Bowie, MD; One daughter Elder Dannetta Y. Payne of Bowie, MD; two brothers, Robert Payne (Connie) of Massachusetts; and Hughey Payne, Jr. of Maryland; eleven grandchildren: Darryl Payne, DeSean Payne, Tyrell Ouzts, Jabari Ouzts, D’Andre Payne, Walter Payne III, Obinna Payne, Nkemdi Payne, Keyonna Payne, Lakeesha Payne, and Preshus Ouzts; thirteen great grandchildren; three sisters in-law; Elizabeth J. Thomas (Herbert), Barbara J. Cartledge, and Yvonne V. Dorsey (Kevin); special brothers: Silas N. Patterson and Herbert Thomas; special friends: Daniel (Hollywood Breeze) Clayton, Milton (Tony) Jews, Walter Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.     

Visitation hours will begin at 9am on Friday January 20, 2023, at Carolina Church Ft. Washington, Maryland.

Celebration of Life service will begin at 11am January 20, 2023, at Carolina Church 9901 Allentown Rd Ft. Washington, MD 20744.

Final Resting place for Mr. Payne will be at Heritage Memorial Cemetery Waldorf, MD

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