Charles “Charlie” Louis Payne Sr., age 74, of Niles, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2023. Born on February 3, 1949, in Three Oaks, Michigan, he was the loving son of the late James Payne and Anna “Marie” (Black) Hogan.
Charlie was preceded in death by his first wife, Bernice (Linn) Payne, and is survived by his devoted wife of many years, Ella (Seal) Payne. He was a loving father to Tracy (Clarence) Fox of Auburn, Alabama, Charles Payne Jr. of Lakeside, Michigan, Becky Payne of Lakeside, Michigan, Jeff (Teresa) Gollnick of Cassopolis, Michigan, and Greg Gollnick of Marcellus. Charlie was the proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren, with one grandchild deceased, 11 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Kathy Christenson, Joseph Payne, and Robert Fry, and is survived by his siblings, Janie Wolf of Three Oaks, and Clifford (Julie) Payne of South Bend.
Charlie was drafted into the United States Army and went on to reenlist, serving his country with honor and distinction for 21 years before retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer II. After his military service, he worked for RACO for 26 years, where he was highly regarded by his colleagues and friends.
Throughout his life, Charlie was devoted to his church and family, always finding ways to serve his community and the Lord. He could often be found helping to cook dinners, serving as an usher, or simply being a servant to others in need. Charlie had a passion for going to the shooting range and was known for his kind and generous spirit. As a loving husband, he treated his wife like a queen and was an honorable and giving man who deeply loved his family and his Lord.
Charlie’s faith-filled, selfless, and kind nature was evident to all who knew him. His warm personality and love for children made him a beloved figure in his community. As the saying goes, “If you didn’t like him, there was something wrong with you.” His unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and faith will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Funeral services to honor Charlie will be held on Monday, June 19, 2023, at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Niles at Noon with a time of visitation one hour prior. Charlie will be interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Three Oaks. Bob Cole will be officiating.
Services
Visitation
Monday, June 19, 202311:00AM – 12:00PM
Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services521 E. Main Street Niles, MI 49120Get Directions
Service
Monday, June 19, 202312:00PM
Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services521 E. Main Street Niles, MI 49120Get Directions
Cemetery Committal
Monday, June 19, 20231:45PM
Forest Lawn Cemetery6865 Forest Lawn Rd Three Oaks, MI 49120