Peter Michael Payne, Jr.

Peter Michael Payne Jr., “Mike”, 62, beloved husband and father, went home to heaven on Saturday, October 15, 2022.

Born in Athens, on December 11, 1959, he was the son of the late Dr. Peter Michael Payne, Sr. and Sally Morrison Green. He attended Marist and was a graduate of Ridgeview High School and the University of Georgia. While at Georgia he was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity, and one of his proudest days was initiating his son Michael into the order.

Mike was married to his college sweetheart Robin, they celebrated their 36^th anniversary in July on Isle of Palms- returning full circle as this was the place they fell in love. His greatest joy in life was loving his wife and their four children Courtney, Caroline, Carti, and Michael. He could often be overheard bragging to strangers about what his children were up to. He was the pillar of the family- an unmatched provider, protector, and doer for them in every way he could, and loved them all so well and deeply.

He went on to work for The Coca-Cola Company's Fountain Division. Mike 'foodservice' Payne as he became known as, had an amazing 36-year career at the company. After college, he left his home state of Georgia to start his career in Omaha as a Territory Sales Manager, from there he worked his way up through various roles and back to Atlanta to the position of National Account Director.  Mike's passion was bringing solutions to his customers and he was one of the best at his sales craft. Ultimately it was the relationships that were the most important to Mike, his customers became some of his best friends. He worked with important accounts like Hardee's, The Varsity, and Checkers & Rally's. Mike was the first and only supplier partner to receive the prestigious Legacy Award from Checkers and Rally's. He adored the Coca-Cola Company and was so proud to be a part of it.

Some of Mike’s happiest times were family beach days at Isle of Palms and spending all day on the boat. Mike’s favorite hobbies included: coaching his son on many baseball teams, cheering on his four children in all their activities, being part of the grill team at Wesleyan School, telling everyone about his favorite fishing hole, and making conversation with everyone he encountered, especially his new IOP fishing buddies and dock friends. He was an avid sports fan of the Dawgs, the Atlanta Braves, and attending and sharing the Master’s with others in the Springtime.

His faith in God became planted and cultivated at North Point Community Church in Atlanta where he enjoyed being a member of the parking team. Mike lived out his faith every day through his relationships with friends and family, and set a wonderful example of what it meant to be a Godly husband and father to his children. He exemplified his faith through his love and fellowship with others as there was no one who met Mike Payne that would not consider him a friend.

There is no one like Mike Payne, his unique, unforgettable, and joyous laugh is one of the most memorable sounds. He was one of the happiest people on Earth, he loved life and shared all of his joy for it with everyone around him. One of his favorite things to do was to meet new people every day, and make them a friend. Each day when asked how he was- he replied with “just another day in paradise” and he truly meant it.

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Peter Michael Payne, Sr. and his niece, Catherine Wilson. He is survived by his wife, Robin Rowley Payne; daughters, Courtney Payne, Caroline Washburn (Zach), Carti Payne (Jeff Nuttall); son, Peter Michael Payne, III; grandson, Harold “Payne” Washburn; mother, Sally Morrison Green; sisters, Brooks Payne Rode, Leigh Fordham (John), Laura Baughan (Stuart), Dr. Margaret Siegel (Carter); sister-in-law, Caroline Matheny (Rob); and nieces and nephews, Taylor Matheny, Matthew Matheny, Shannon Ogar, Sarah Wilson, Stephen Rode, Margaret Baughan, Haydn Baughan, George Baughan, Carter Siegel, Penn Siegel, Henry Siegel

We know that in all things God works for the good. Because this is so sudden and inconceivable, our immediate family is gathering to grieve in order to move forward with joy to celebrate Carti and Jeff’s wedding next weekend. Robin and family thank you for your prayers, kind words, and loving support at this difficult time. A “Celebration of Life” to commemorate Mike’s big-hearted, magnanimous life, time to be determined, is being planned.

Mike and Robin’s grandson Payne Washburn born 8/5/22 is the youngest person in South Carolina to be diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at 6 days old. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to fund research to directly enrich and prolong Payne’s and other lives. (http://give.cff.org/tribute/mikepayne)

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Mount Pleasant, 1520 Rifle Range Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-884-3833.