Clarence Thomas Payne Sr., age 96 of Springfield, Ohio, went to be with his Lord on February 22, 2017, in the home he built with his own hands. He was born March 1, 1920, in Springfield, Ohio, one of two sons born to Theron and Joanna (Taylor) Payne. He was primarily raised by his father and stepmother, Lovey Payne. He was married to the love of his life, Grace Elizabeth (Marion) Payne on January 4, 1940. To this union five children were born: one daughter, Joanne Elizabeth, and four sons, Clarence Thomas Jr., David Marion, Joseph Leon, and Stephen Ward. After completing the ninth grade, Clarence decided to join the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) so that he could provide financial support for his family. After marriage, he joined the U.S. Army and served during World War II. He was stationed in the Philippines where he was a heavy equipment operator. After his discharge from the Army, he worked for over thirty years as a ladle operator at the Ohio Steel Foundry, later called Teledyne. He was a superb and faithful provider for his family. He was always on time and rarely missed a day of work. On his daily walk home, he would stop to watch the construction of new houses. By carefully observing, he gained knowledge that he put to use to fulfill his dream of building a home for himself and his family, and lived there for over sixty years. After retirement in 1986, he took up a number of hobbies and activities. He enjoyed leather crafting and nearly everyone in the congregation received one of his beautiful and intricate creations: a billfold, a wallet, a keychain or perhaps a coin purse. He also made beautiful candles which he shared freely. He was creative and talented. Bro. Payne was known for his ability to repair lawn mowers and practically anything else that needed to be fixed. He was the neighborhood barber for many years. He made the best German chocolate and coconut cakes from scratch! He was an avid photographer with a massive collection of pictures and slides which he enjoyed sharing with friends and loved ones. He was considered the "neighborhood saint" and did all he could to help his neighbors. He was also known in the neighborhood for his loud whistle that sent any youngster with the last name of "Payne" running home without delay! Early in life, Clarence gave his heart to the Lord. He was one of the original members of the Washington Street Church of God Congregation, where his father-in-law served as the first pastor. Bro. Payne possessed an incomparable bass voice, an asset to the a cappella congregational singing. Many a young man would try to sing bass like Bro. Payne but none could imitate those low notes. He was always willing to lift his voice in song. He also served the congregation in many capacities. He made sure the building was opened for services and secured for the night, saying, "Let's go home, Saints!" He was the bus driver for the congregation, faithfully picking up the saints for services. Bro. Clarence served as a trustee for many years. Bro. Payne was a willing worker in the Kingdom of God. He, along with Bro. Jack Robinson, would arrive early for annual camp meetings to prepare the campground and church building in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Bro. Payne will always be remembered for how he lovingly cared for his wife who he affectionately called "Gracie" during her long-term illness. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Joanne Shepard - El (Jim - deceased); sons, Clarence T. Payne Jr. (Shirley - deceased), David M. Payne Sr. (Nancy), Joseph L. Payne Sr. (Ann), and Stephen W. Payne; grandchildren, Kimberly, Kelli, Lisa, Catherine, Kevin Sr., Leon Sr., David, Deanne, David Jr., Kristi, Yolanda, Marlo, Yolanda, Angela, Joseph Jr., and Miles; 24 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; special cousins, Shirley Speakes, Juanita Robinson, and Janie Kenerly with whom he shared countless holiday dinners, especially Thanksgiving, and was always the honored guest; and special friends, Janiece Robinson, Megan Clark, Stella Cavin, who he called "Sister Lovely", and Michael Kenerly. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one brother, Theron Payne Sr. (Dorothy Mae); four sisters-in-law, Emma (Milton) Greene, Helen (Mason) Oglesby, Ethel (Jack) Robinson, and Annette (James) Burks; three brothers-in-law, George (Florene) Marion, John (Stella) Marion, and Phillip Marion; great-grandson, David Payne III; special cousin, Patricia Kenerly, his "Upwords" (game) buddy, and former Pastor, Ronald M. Cavin II. Even though he was loved by all, he would remind everyone, "Be nice to me." His church family will miss his hearty handshake and customary greeting, "Howdy Doody!" along with the following monologue: "How are you?", while vigorously shaking your hand. The answer would typically be, "I'm fine Bro Payne." Then he would reply, "It shows. It shows. You can't help it. It just comes out that way.", all the while still pumping your hand and refusing to let go. Of late, when asked, "Bro. Payne, how are you?", his reply would be, "fair-to-middlin'." Many would call him, "Bro. Hollywood" although his preferred name for himself was "Brother Handsome". Who will take up that mantle? Absolutely no one will take his place. We must always remember to acknowledge God as did Bro. Payne when beginning his prayer, "Dear Lord, with thankful hearts... " If Brother Payne were here today, he would remind us to be ready for Christ's return and after experiencing all that heaven holds, he would tell us, "Let's go home, Saints!"

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