Allen Lee Payne

Allen Lee Payne, affectionately known as “Hillbilly,” a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, of Cutler, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 9, 2026, at the age of 70. He was born on February 7, 1956, in Mount Gay, West Virginia.

Allen was a man who lived life in his own special way. He was a hardworking man who took great pride in his career as a heavy equipment operator. He was also a man of deep faith who loved God and was an active member of Bible Baptist Church in Bartlett, Ohio. His faith was an important part of who he was, and he loved sharing his love for God with the people around him.

Allen found happiness in the simple things in life; horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and, most of all, spending time with the people he loved. He never met a stranger. If you knew Allen, you likely heard one of his stories, shared a laugh with him, or found yourself in a conversation that could go on just a little longer than expected. He could talk for hours about God, fishing, guns, or just about anything that came to mind.

But more than anything, Allen loved people. He had a warm heart and a way of making those around him feel welcome. He brought people together through his stories, his laughter, and his unmistakable personality. He leaves behind countless memories that will be treasured by his family and friends for years to come.

Allen is survived by his wife, Eva Payne, whom he married on September 26, 1997. He is also survived by his loving children: Allen (Tracy) Payne of Hastings, Florida; Angelina Hensley of Dingess, West Virginia; Colby Hall of Cutler, Ohio; Amber Hall of Barlow, Ohio; Cheyenne (Kylea) Payne of Marietta, Ohio; and honorary son Allen Haywood of Grayson, Kentucky.

He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Skyler, Mitchell, Addison, Makhayla, Preston, Analiese, Chloe, Brynlee, and Braxton, and six great-grandchildren, who brought him great joy and gave him even more stories to tell.

Allen is also survived by his eight siblings: William (Hessie), Violet, John Wayne, Pauline (Mike), Harold, Kim, Becky (Larry), and Sue (Larry).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill Payne and Margaret Meade Payne; his brothers, Adam and Chris; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Those who knew Allen will remember him not only for the things he did, but for the way he made people feel. His love for his family, his faith in God, his sense of humor, his stories, and his love of the outdoors were woven into the fabric of his life. Though his absence leaves an ache that cannot be filled, the memories he created and the love he gave will remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Cawley Hospice for the kindness, compassion, and care they provided to Allen and his family during such a difficult time. Special recognition is given to Eva, Kim, Amy, Morgan, Hannah, Jody, and Pastor Rick. Your support, genuine compassion, and loving care did not go unnoticed and helped make an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking experience more bearable.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Barlow Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Homes, with Kyle Thompson officiating. Graveside services will follow at Bartlett Cemetery. Visitation will be held the day prior on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home is honored to serve Allen’s family during this difficult time. They offer online condolences and many other resources, which can be accessed by visiting their website at www.CawleyandPeople.com or by following their Facebook page.

Allen may no longer be here to tell his stories, share a laugh, or talk about the things he loved, but his stories will continue to be told, his laughter will continue to be remembered, and his love will remain with the family and friends who were blessed to know him.

Rest peacefully, Hillbilly. You will be deeply missed and forever loved.