Britton (Britt) Perry Payne
June 4, 1955 ~ June 23, 2015
Born in:
Columbus, GA
Resided in:
Lilburn, GA
Britton (Britt) Perry Payne, age 60, passed away suddenly on June 23, 2015 in Snellville, Georgia.
Britt was born in Columbus, Georgia at Fort Benning to Charles Robert and Bonnie Smith Payne on June 4, 1955. Britt was the oldest of four sons. The family moved to the Midwest, so Britt spent most of his growing up years in St. Louis, Missouri.
Britt graduated from Valley High School, West Des Moines, Iowa in 1973, then graduated from Iowa State University in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. Britt spent most of his career in Commercial Real Estate and Asset Management. After several years in banking, he became an Asset Manager for Trimont Real Estate Advisors. He took pride in his work and enjoyed the friendships there.
Britt met his wife, Karin while attending college. The two of them were married in West Des Moines on August 5, 1978. This began a joyful marriage of 37 years that was blessed with three wonderful sons. He was a dear and loving husband and father, with a deep unwavering faith, quiet strength, and a warm sense of humor. He had unlimited patience with three growing boys and welcomed every opportunity to spend time with them, teach them, and encourage them to be their best selves. He was also active in the community as a Boy Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, and a Tenor in the Church Choir. He volunteered regularly for charity events, including Habitat for Humanity, and ran in various fund raisers.
In 2004, Britt was diagnosed with a rare, autoimmune liver disease, where transplant would be the only cure. He faced it with grace and determination. Two years later, he ran his first marathon. His boys were always inspired by that.
Britt is survived by his wife, Karin Roberta Payne; three sons, Riley Charles (Chelsea), Jason Harris (Faira), and Elliott Davis; his parents, Charles Robert and Bonnie Smith; three brothers, Scott Hamilton (Karen), Matthew Alan (Kathy), and Trent Dowell (Lisa); and many nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him dearly.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Emory Eastside Hospital for all the comfort and emergency care they provided during Britt’s final days.
Visitation will be held at Wages and Sons Funeral Home, 1040 Main Street, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 on Thursday June 25, 2015 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm.
A Funeral service will be held at Mountain Park United Methodist Church on Friday June 26, 2015 at 7:00 pm with Pastor Charles Robinson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mountain Park United Methodist Church, 1405 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30087. https://www.mountainparkumc.org/ or the American Liver Foundation, https://www.liverfoundation.org/
Condolences may be left in Britt Payne’s online guestbook at https://www.wagesandsons.com/obit/
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Karin, we were so sorry to hear about Britt’s passing. We have so many fond memories of Britt, you and your boys from our Sunday School class at Embry Hills United Methodist. Britt was a good and Godly man. You and the boys have our sympathy, and you have God’s love to see you through this. Please let us know if we can do anything for you and your family. May God bless you all. Nan & Roddy
Karin,
Our hearts are full of sadness for your loss. You know how loved Britt is by all who knew him.
His grace in handling the illness that took him was humbling to see. You have our most
sincere sympathies. Please call on us if we can help you in any way.
Mary-White & Bob
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Britt was one nicest people I have known and a true friend. I am very sorry for the loss and my thoughts and prayers are with the Payne family during this tough time. It is an honor to call Britt my friend.
Marty
Britt was such a kind person. I always enjoyed his company. He will be missed very much. I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
Britt was caring and genuine. He will truly be missed by many. The Payne family is in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless
Britt was a kind, loving man – always had a smile on his face. He will be missed by all. I am so sorry for your loss, Karin. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Britt was always a gentleman – always seemed to have a smile on his face. We sang together in the Mountain Park choir and I always tried not to sit behind him because he was so tall, I couldn’t see the director. He will be missed by all. Karin and his boys will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Our prayers are with the family.
We have all suffered a loss
Karin, we are so sorry to hear about Brit’s passing! You and the boys are in our prayers!
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts & Prayers.
We were so saddened to hear of yours and your family’s loss.. Please know that all of you will be in many hearts and prayers as our church also suffered a great loss..
God Bless You All
Dear Karin and family,
We are so saddened by Britt’s sudden passing. We are thankful for the moments that we had together in choir; he was such a gracious soul, We pray that God will embrace all of you as you endure this sorely difficult time. I’m sure God is waiting for Britt to help Him with all that commercial real estate in Heaven that needs to be listed. God bless you; know that you are loved.
Karin, I was so saddened to hear of Britt’s passing. He made you feel good just looking at him for he always had a smile on his face. My prayers are with you and you family in this time of loss and may God watch over you all and give you peace.
Britt was one of the nicest and kindest people I had the pleasure of working with at HP/Trimont for many years together. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I will always remember being at the Payne’s house when I was a child hanging out with Riley, Jason, and Elliott. I always remember no matter what stupid things we did as children Britt (or Mr Payne as I remember him) would always have a smile on his face and encouraged us to have fun without being so destructive :). I always remember how many times the dog got out and he went on the chase around the neighborhood and yet, still had a smile when he returned. He is a great man, loving husband and amazing father. He will always be loved and missed. My prayers will remain with the Payne family and am saddened that his passing came way to early.
My sincerest condolences to the entire family. I am so saddened to hear of Britt’s passing, I have always admired him and the strong and beautiful family he was so proud of. My love and thoughts are with you all.
Karin, I’m sitting here awash in memories of when you and Britt first met and fell in love, his introduction to our crazy group of friends, your wedding and then leaving us lonesome in Des Moines when you two moved away, and now here we are 40 years later. Everyone I know, everyone we know together, has so admired your relationship and your love for each other, the strength you gave to each other and your true devotion to Britt and your sons and their wives. You are in my thoughts and prayers always.
I am very proud to have been able to work alongside Britt at HP/Trimont. For 16 years here I never saw another person with a more genuine smile as Britt, who was as calm under pressure as Britt, or who took everything thrown their way in stride better than Britt. We are all better off having worked with him and just knowing him as a person. We will miss him dearly and will be praying for his family.
I was lucky enough to work alongside Britt at Trimont for over seven years. Britt was one of the nicest, most pleasant people I have ever worked with. I will always remember him as a devoted family man and am sending my thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time.
Riley, so sorry for your loss.
Riley,
We are very sorry for the loss. We will keep you and your family in our prayers to overcome this situation.
To the wonderful Payne clan,
Praying God will give you whatever your hearts need most right now. Paula and Mike Lucas
To Karin and the Payne family, my love and prayers are for your solace, comfort and peace during your time of grief and acceptance of Britt’s passing. Lord, hear our prayers!
What a pleasure it was to work with Britt at HP/Trimont. He was always smiling and had such gentleness about him. Praying for comfort and strength for your family. He will surely be missed by all.
To all that love Britt, especially my Kariny and her boys, I pray that the pain of your heartbreak is swift Love, Sibyl
My love goes out to all of you.
So sorry for your loss. It doesn’t seem right for a parent to outlive a child. Our love to each of you. You are in our prayers that The Lord Jesus would give special grace to you.
I have enjoyed working with Britt at HP/Trimont for the past 14 years. He always had a great spirit about him; you could just tell he had a warm heart. I am truly sorry for your loss. May God continue to bless you and keep you.
Karin, I never got to meet Britt, but felt as if I knew him simply by knowing you. It was evident that you two were a team. May you find comfort in your faith. Remember, when life carries on, I’m always around to be your lunch buddy. Love Michele
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. My prayers go out to the family.
Britt set the bar high for the rest of us fathers who knew him. I’ll always think of his kind and gracious manner, his understated sense of humor and obvious love of his family. He will be missed and remembered fondly.
We are so terribly saddened by your loss…..and ours. It was such an honor to get to know Britt. He seemed to move so peacefully through life, in spite of the obstacles along the way, and was an inspiration for all who knew him. We will
miss him so much. Prayers for peace and comfort for you all through this very difficult time.
I’ve only met Britt a few times but his kindness always showed through. His Loving parents, Bonnie and Bob and brother Matt are family to me and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers in this time of great sadness and loss.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the whole Payne family. We are glad for our brief encounters with Britt and his family. He was every bit the man God made him to be.
Remember the good times, cherish them. May God give you strength and comfort at this difficult time.
Dave and Barb huhn
Bob, Bonnie and Payne family, we are so sorry for your loss and we pray for God’s peace and comfort in this most difficult time. We We extend our heartfelt sympathy to your family.
Riley,
So sorry to hear about your father. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers.
It’s sounds as though your dad was a wonderful guy.. I hope he got to see you play and was aware of your great successes with The Woodmen!!
No doubt he’ll be watching the next set of matches from above!
One of the Old Guys
Tom
Elliott, Karin and family,
Wade, Mary-Martin, my parents and I are all are so sad to hear this news. Wade and I and my parents only spent a couple hours at the GCSU Mass Comm
Graduation ceremony with Britt, Karin and Elliott, but we all came away with the same feeling-he was such a calm and and kind and dear spirit.
Mary-Martin enjoyed spending New Years with your entire family, saying how it was just so easy and peaceful and how you all made her feel welcome and comfortable.
We are thinking of you all
XOXO-Lynn
I loved that boy (man)…I feel like I have lost one of my own….but I/we have the comfort of knowing that he is with his Lord. I pray that knowing that, his family will be comforted in this time of heartache.
Britt was one of the most genuinely nice person I’ve ever known, and he will be truely missed. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to work with Britt over the past 15 years. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
We were very saddened to hear of Brit’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to his family and you, Bob and Bonnie.
Riley,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I didn’t know him, but I know you and the great person you are. I know he had a lot to do with that. I will keep you and your family in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Ted Langford — Alta Tennis Team
Karin, Jason, Riley, & Elliott, we are so very sorry to hear of Britt’s passing. We had no idea he had been suffering with this for so long. We have so many fond memories of times spent through the years at Embry Hills UMC – VBS, Sunday School gatherings, fishing at your house, laughing together, piano lessons, and so much more. You were all so much fun to be with and Britt always had a smile and a relaxed way of making everyone feel welcome wherever we were.
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We are out of town on vacation or we would certainly be there in person for the service. Just know that our hearts, thoughts and prayers are there, though.
Love,
Donnie, Veleta & family
Karen whenever we think of you and Britt we will always think of music and tennis. Britt was always such a gentleman and just a very wonderful who thought of others first. We send our deepest sympathy and love to you and your boys and the rest of your extended families.
Love you two so much. Hurt at your loss. Still praying!
Karin, Jason, Riley and Elliott – I was so sorry to hear about Britt. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss and send our sincere sympathy to your family. May you be comforted by God’s blessings during this sad time.
Dear Karin,
Please accept my sincere sympathy. I learned something important when my father died: how life goes on. Britt lives through your three outstanding sons. What a wonderful legacy! We’re sending good thoughts your way from Des Moines.
We send our deepest sympathy to Bob, Bonnie, and the rest of the Payne family for the loss of Britt. May God send an extra portion of His grace to all of you.
We have lost a wonderful nephew. We knew him as a loving husband and father. Karin, you are in our prayers during this sad time.
Sandy & Ron
Britt was always smiling, pleasant, and just a great guy to work with. He will be missed, a lot. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Evanthe
I was shocked and saddened to hear that Britt is gone. I have dear family memories and it is precious to me that the last time I spent with him and all of you was at the wedding last fall. There was so much joy on that day and the love and pride for his son was so reflected in his face. I smile through my tears when I think on that memory. What a joy you were to your family. I love all of you! God’s grace!
LaDonna
Riley,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your dad.
Herb Smith
ALTA Team Member
The loss of Britt Payne is felt deeply by the Hanarry Swim & Racquet Club community. Britt was always a smiling face and contributed so much to the club, as a friend, tennis player and captain and volunteer for so many holiday events. Karin, Elliott, Riley and Jason, thank you for sharing Britt with our HSRC family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We will always remember Britt as a fun, kind and wonderful guy.
Karin, Jason, Riley and Elliot,
I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. Ben, Anna and I extend our deepest sympathy to you. We remember Britt as a truly caring man. He had a wonderful laugh and shared his joy about you all. We have many good memories of times that we shared with him and Richard enjoyed his friendship, too.
With love and prayers,
Julie
Britt was a true gentleman. Everyone on my team at Trimont enjoyed working under Britt. He was kind, authentic, and always great company in the office. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Karin, Jason, Riley and Eliot
We just found out yesterday that Britt had passed away. We were completely unaware that he had been ill and was suffering so badly. You and Britt accomplished so much in your journey together and we just wanted you to know how truly sorry we are. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys.
Don and Ann
Karin and Boys, Uncle Bob and Aunt Bonnie, Scott, Matt and Trent
I am so very sad about Britt. I wish I had gotten to know him better as an adult. But, I remember him so well and so fondly as a child. I remember every Christmas and Thanksgiving dinner we shared with fantastic food from Aunt Bonnie and laughs from the boys. When I was a little girl, I always wished I had an older brother. I wished that Britt were my older brother. He always seemed so smart and fun and in a caring and kind way kept the younger three “in line”. My thoughts are with your family at this time of loss.
Susie
I am privileged to have known Britt. I ache with you and pray for the whole Payne family. May the God of all comfort live in and through you as I know he is, has and will. The Brand’s love you all very much.
Dear Karin,
Our thoughts and prayers, and love are sent to you and your family. I, N.J., as a nurse, know how difficult your journey has been.
Michael has many fond memories of hitting tennis balls and playing matches with both Britt and Riley.
Love from the Farry’s
Britt always had a smile on his face and made those around him better with his humble confidence. Prayers to his family and friends.
To the family of Brit Payne,
Yes, he always had a smile on his face and the picture above was a great capture of that.
I had the opportunity to work with Britt and his colleague Stephen Markowitz. We met in Dallas and toured some building together and later went to dinner. We started at a Sushi Bar and even though Britt was not a fan, he showed in interest and tied a few things. He was a great sport and we moved on to a more traditional local steak house and we all had wonderful meals great conversation and started to get to know each other a little better. We corresponded for months before and after and he was a gentle person, extremely polite, well mannered and was kind in everything we saw his fingerprints on.
Very sorry for your loss, he was a treasure to know, it must have been an enormous blessing to be a part of his family,
Respectfully,
Larry Glickman
It was an honor to know Britt and to have worked on his team at Trimont. He was part of minority of true professionals – humble, friendly, calm and diligent, and will be greatly missed here by his teammates and clients alike. Prayers for his family and friends as they mourn his loss and celebrate his legacy.
Karin, you are in our prayers. We are saddened by the loss of such a loving husband and father..and our cousin.
Jim and Marlyn