On Monday, November 9, 2015, Emmett Seth Payne, age 2, of Mountain City, Tenn., was carried in the arms of his Heavenly Father to his eternal home.
Emmett was the son of Seth and Toni Payne. He was our gift from God, the answer to our prayers. “For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord.” 1 Samuel 1:27-28.
Emmett was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Worley and Mabel Payne, Bill and Lucille Eller and Maude and McKinley Clawson, and his great-grandmother, Ruth Dugger.
In addition to his parents, he leaves behind to honor and cherish his memory his maternal grandparents, Terry and Betty Dugger; his paternal grandparents, Greg and Wanda Payne; and his maternal great-grandfather, Earl Dugger; his aunt and uncles, Marty and Celia Pennington and Aaron Payne; and his cousins, Chloe and SaraBeth Pennington and Lacey Payne. Many other special aunts, uncles, cousins and friends also survive.
Emmett loved his family. His endearing laughter and smile brought joy and happiness to everyone he met. Emmett’s beautiful red hair matched his mischievous spirit; he was known for giving everyone, even strangers, tackle hugs, kisses, fist bumps and high fives. He loved church and attended Whitehead Hill Christian Church. Emmett loved eating popcorn with his Papaw, Papa Payne and Pa Earl. He loved being outside, playing with his cousins, with his cars and his pets, Maddie and Sissy Cat.
We wish to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Bit Brown and Matt Cress, Johnson County EMS, and Emmett’s medical team at Johnson County Community Hospital. So that his heart may live on, we chose to donate the best part of our precious little man. We encourage everyone to consider becoming an organ donor in honor of Emmett.
Services for Emmett S. Payne will be held at Hux-Lipford Funeral Home with Minister Terry Dugger, Reverend Harry Wills and Pastor Richie Hayes officiating on Thursday, November 12, at 8 p.m. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Interment will be Friday, November 13, at 11 a.m. in the Sugar Grove Cemetery. Music will be provided by Scott Reynolds and Megan Pardue. Active pallbearers are Will Savery, Marty Pennington, Aaron Payne, Reny Inman, Gary Payne, Calvin Clawson and Robert Wills. Honorary pallbearers are Brett Reece, Matthew Bray, Jason Clawson, Shawn Wills, Dennis Wills, Donald Wills, Michael Dickens, Jacob Rasnick, Jase Rasnick, Johnny Clawson, James Glover, Joel Norris, Hank Norris and Cooper Davenport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Emmett’s memory to Whitehead Hill Christian Church. Friends may visit at the home of Greg and Wanda Payne. Condolences may be emailed to the family at www.huxlipfordfh.com.
Hux-Lipford Funeral Home is serving the Payne family. (423) 727-9221.