Tommy Ray Payne

Tommy Ray Payne was born February 2, 1958, and grew up with his older brother, Wade, in Hueytown, Alabama. He spent most of his childhood outdoors — playing ball in the yard, adventuring through the woods, and skiing at the lake. He was blessed with godly parents, Jim and Martha Payne, who faithfully took him to First Church of the Nazarene in Birmingham and taught him about Jesus from an early age. As a young teenager, Tommy made a personal decision to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior — a commitment that would shape the rest of his life.

In high school, Tommy worked for his dad, who was manager of a Food Giant grocery store. After graduating from Hueytown High School, he studied math at The University of Alabama at Birmingham where he graduated in 1980. Tommy accepted a position at Rust Engineering after college. Shortly after, he began his career at Liberty National as a programmer where he stayed for nearly 40 years before retiring as IT manager of admin.

Tommy first met Jeanine Cash at First Church while she was in town visiting her family. The two were often together in a group of friends, but Tommy decided he was not going to ask her on a date unless she moved to Birmingham from Kansas, where she was teaching school. Jeanine made the move in 1980, not knowing what Tommy had promised himself. Tommy and Jeanine were married a year later, in 1981. Together, they built a life in the Birmingham area, raising their family in Bluff Park and Hoover.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Tommy (affectionately known as “Dad”) lived a life that reflected his love for Jesus and consistently pointed his family to the Lord. Both his daughter, Janet Walker (Chris) and son, Stephen Payne (Meredith) knew their Dad loved the Lord, and they often sought his guidance and wisdom. From strapping things down in a truck bed to making thoughtful plans for the future, Dad just seemed to know how to do it all.

In 2013, Tommy received one of his greatest joys: becoming Granddaddy. He was a regular presence at baseball and basketball games, soccer and tennis matches, bowling leagues, piano recitals, and dance performances — always proudly cheering on Brennan and Beckett Walker and Scarlett, Evelyn, Katherine, and Lucy Payne. His laughter, sideline support, and playful spirit — especially during game nights where his color blindness gave the kids an edge — will be deeply missed.

Tommy Ray Payne went home to be with the Lord on August 15, 2025, following a sudden heart attack. Tommy and Jeanine celebrated 44 years of marriage in June. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Martha Payne.

The funeral for Tommy will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home Chapel, with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. and the service at 3:00 p.m., followed by a graveside service. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Missions fund at Hunter Street Baptist Church.