Lawrence William Payne

Lawrence William Payne peacefully moved on from his earthly life on July 27, 2020 in his Falls Church, Virginia home. He was surrounded by his loving family, including his wife of 58 years, Suzanne. Larry was born on March 6, 1940 to Arthur William Payne and Anna Wisse Payne in Paterson, New Jersey. A year later, the family moved to Arlington, Virginia. Larry attended Patrick Henry Elementary School, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, and Episcopal High School, before spending his last three years at Wakefield High School where he graduated in 1958. At Wakefield, Larry played football and was a championship wrestler. Following two years at Virginia Military Institute, Larry returned to Arlington and shortly after, met his future wife and fellow South Arlington native Suzanne Crump. They were married on June 30, 1962 at the Arlington Baptist Church. Larry soon after served in the Naval Air Reserve. They lived in Arlington until 1972, when they moved to their current home in Falls Church. In 1968, Larry and Suzanne began a spiritual journey that resulted in their conversion and baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were longtime members of both the Falls Church and McLean Ward congregations. Larry served in a variety of positions in the church, including as Bishop of the Falls Church Ward from 1984 to 1987. In addition, he served multiple times as a Scoutmaster, Elders Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader, High Councilor, and Sunday School teacher. He and Suzanne also served two full-time missions. Their first missionary service was in Salt Lake City in 2006-07 at the church’s Family History Library. After returning to Virginia, they later serves as the managers of the Washington, DC Bishop’s Storehouse, a local food bank. Their membership and activity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been a great joy in the life of Larry, Suzanne and their five children. Larry enjoyed two stints as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service, totaling 27 years — all in Arlington. He was regularly awarded honors for standout service and was consistently the top carrier at both the South Station Post Office and Postal Annex. Between his stints at the Post Office, Larry was a top restaurant supply distributor and salesman at ABCO Corporation in Alexandria. In addition to being a top salesman, he also served as the company’s sales manager. Larry and Suzanne raised five children: Ronald Jacob Payne, Deborah Payne Navarro, Gary William Payne, Lawrence Ruston Payne, and Christine Payne Neider. Their 20 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren were a constant source of joy. Larry was known for his ever happy demeanor, hearty laugh and fierce loyalty and devotion to his family and friends. He loved American history, westerns, Motown and Bluegrass, reading, bowling, and was a die-hard fan of the Washington Redskins and New York Yankees. He was a longtime youth baseball, basketball and football coach in both the Arlington and McLean Youth programs. Larry was preceded in death by his brothers Robert Jacob Payne and Arthur William Payne, as well as granddaughter Margaret Ann Payne. Family services will be held on Friday, July 31st at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, McLean Stake Center at 11:00 AM. The services will be streamed over Zoom for friends and family to view. In lieu of flowers if desired a donation can be made to the Payne family to purchase a marker for Larry's grave.

Lawrence William Payne

March 6, 1940 - July 27, 2020