Thomas Jesse Payne, age 54 years, a resident of Philippi, WV, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2020.
He was in his usual health and death was unexpected. He was born April 24, 1966 at Webster Springs, WV, a son of the late Walter Delphia and Opal Lee Johns Payne.
He is survived by his significant other, Cynthia Jean Rucker of Philippi, one sister, Margaret Knight of Vienna, OH and three brothers, Romie Lee and Carl Leonard Payne, both of Webster Springs, WV and Richard Leon Payne of Cowen, WV. Also preceding him in death was one brother, Eldon Robinson and one niece, Crista Knight.
He was a graduate of Webster High School and had received his Master Class in welding certificate.
Jesse was employed by Human Resource Development Foundation as a stream worker at the time of his death. His work enabled him to clean the streams and environment which was close to his heart. He was a true mountaineer, a naturalist and avid woodsman who could live off the land in the forests that he loved. His love for nature, plants, digging ramps and especially the animals led him to volunteer for the local animal shelter.
Jesse’s request for cremation was honored. Memorial contributions may be made by planting a tree in memory of Jesse at A Living Tribute, 500 West Putnam Avenue, Suite 400, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830 / https://www.alivingtribute.org/. The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is
in charge of the arrangements for Thomas Jesse Payne.
