Jerry Lee Payne was born August 9, 1956, in Havana, Florida, to the late Annie Frances Robinson Sellers and Charles Payne Sr. He passed away at home on August 7, 2026.

Jerry, affectionately known as "JP," was a proud graduate of James S. Rickards High School, Class of 1976.

He answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army on June 24, 1976. He received an honorable discharge on June 16, 1980.

During his working years, Jerry was employed by Olin Corporation of St. Marks, Florida, and Walmart.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Annie Frances Robinson Sellers; his father, Charles Payne Sr.; his twin sister, Sherry Payne; his brothers, Charles Hayes, Bernard Dupayne, and Tyrone Payne; and his brother-in-law, Edward Mathis.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his children, LaShonda Smith (Carlos), Stephanie Bruce, Ryan Payne, Jessica Rush, and Willie Bruce; his brothers, Fert Richardson (Paulette), Willie Sellers (Dorothy), John Sellers (Pamela), and Charles Payne Jr.; his sisters, Lavern Jones, Barbara Leonard (Lionel), Bernice Kohn (Emory), Patsy Mathis, Janet Sellers, Voncil Sellers, and Mary Brisbane (Curtis); his sister-in-law, Cassandra Hayes; his grandchildren, LiTerrius Miller, Mercedes Wilson, Brean Mathis, Alan Gibson, Xavier Gibson, Tra'Naije Rush, Serenity Williams, and Zeni'Dahya Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.