Oliver Wade Payne

Oliver Wade Payne, 86, passed away at his home on August 15, 2018 after a long illness. Oliver Payne loved life. To know him was to know that life had no limits, and anything was possible no matter what the circumstances. When Oliver was a child in Pittsylvania County, VA., his artistic talent emerged as he taught himself to draw on the dusty windows of an old country store next to the train tracks. Each day would yield a new canvas for Oliver’s art. This humble beginning led to a lifetime of joy and a fulfilling and successful career. His legacy can be seen in his art and the family he left behind.

Oliver was born and raised in Chatham, Virginia and was one of six children. After serving 2 years in the US Army, Oliver began his artist career in the display department of Belk’s Department stores. His natural talents led to numerous national awards for his striking displays. Taking his talents and strong work ethics, Oliver with his wife Trudy, opened Oliver Payne’s Signs of Raleigh, NC in 1975. He worked there until he retired after 30 years.

Like his mother, Oliver possessed a great love for gardening and landscaping.  Oliver loved to deep sea fish with his son and many life-long friends. He will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband to Trudy for 44 years.

A memorial service honoring his life will be held at 2 o’clock Monday afternoon August 20, 2018 at the Wake Forest Baptist Church with Dr. Bill Slater officiating.

Oliver was preceded in death by his father, Oliver Shellhorse Payne and his mother Jenie Atkins Payne, his infant brother, James, and his sister Helen Caley.

Oliver is survived by his wife Trudy Smith Payne; his daughter Suzanne Payne Walker (husband Mike) of Danville, VA; his son, Charles Oliver Payne of the home, his step daughter Robin Owen of Wake Forest (Fiance Darryl McNeill), step daughter Tracey Owen (husband Claude) of Virginia Beach, VA.  Oliver is also survived by his brother, Muriel Payne (wife Alice) of Altavista, VA, sister, Shelby Gillum (husband John) of Mason, OH, sister Louise Shanaberger of Richmond, VA. In addition, he had 6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Oliver’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of N.C. 1305 Navaho Drive Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27609 or to, Transitions LifeCare 250 Hospice Circle Raleigh, NC 27607 or the Wake Forest Baptist Church Building fund 118 East South Avenue Wake Forest, NC 27587.

Friends may visit with the family immediately following the service on Monday in the church fellowship building.

And Oliver would say “Take a trip to the beach and go fishing”.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.