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August 22, 1932 – November 14, 2020

Manteo, NC – Reuben Elliott Payne Jr., 88, of Manteo, NC died Saturday, November 14, 2020.

A native of Manteo, he was born August 22, 1932, to the late Essie Dough Payne and Reuben Elliott Payne Sr.

After serving his country in the USCG, he completed his studies at North Carolina State University and was a mechanical engineer for Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company for 36 years. He returned to the Outer Banks and worked with Stan White Realty until his retirement. Reuben as active in community service through his church, Mount Olivet United Methodist Church serving as a JOY Sunday School Class teacher, the Manteo Lions Club and serving on the VIP (Visually Impaired Persons) Board.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Zegopulos Payne.

Reuben is survived by his wife, Jean Branson Payne of Manteo; sister Jean Payne Basnight (SC) of Manteo, NC; sons, Martin Payne (Betty) of Portsmouth, Va., John Payne (Kelly) of Smithfield, Va., David Branson (Ahissa) of Greensboro, NC, and daughters, Sarah Garrity (Steve) of Newport News, Va., Cheryl Branson Short of Virginia Beach, Va.; grandchildren, Marie Payne, Chris Garrity, Meghan Garrity, Morgan Short, Wayne Short (Amy), Emma Branson, Ava Branson, and William Branson; and great-grandchildren, Connor Short and Liam Short.

A private family service is planned at a later date.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the caregivers of Amedisys Hospice and the staff of Tyrrell House for their care of Reuben.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests friends consider a contribution to Mount Olivet United Methodist Church (Food Pantry, PO Box 787, Manteo, NC 27954), Room in the Inn (Homeless, PO Box 1354, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948), Amedisys Hospice (201 E Wake, Plymouth, NC 27962) or a charity of their choice.

Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.

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