Thomas J. Payne, Jr., age 70 of Cornelia, passed away Saturday, September 12, 2015, at his residence. Born in Stephens County on August 8, 1945, he was a son of the late Thomas J. Payne, Sr. and the late Pauline Hardy Payne. Mr. Payne was retired from Standard Telephone Company with 34 years of dedicated service. He was a member of Good News Baptist Church. He also was an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan, a drummer for Second Phase, and most of all a family man who enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Draven Payne Umbehant and sister, Cynthia Reaghard. Surviving are wife of 49 years, Ann Gastley Payne of Cornelia; daughter and son-in-law, Lori & Matt Umbehant of Mt. Airy; son and daughter-in-law, David & Angela Payne of Baldwin; grandchildren, Victoria and Grayson Payne, Sean and Ashton Umbehant; brother and sister-in-law, Bruce & Peggy Payne of Alto. Funeral services are 2:00 pm Monday, September 14, 2015, at the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Rev. Eddie Umbehant and Jerrell Beatty officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Sunday. An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.