Dr. Norman Eugene Payne

I worked directly for Norm for several years after he started as COO at the Western Farm Credit Banks. He had a significant influence on both Sharon's and my professional careers.

LEESBURG, Fla./WELLSVILLE, N.Y. — Dr. Norman Eugene Payne, 74, went to be with the Lord on Saturday (Feb. 19, 2011) at his home, under hospice care.

Born in Wellsville, on Aug. 19, 1936, he was the son of Gordon and Loretta (Metzler) Payne. After graduating from Alfred-Almond Central School in 1954, and obtaining an associate’s degree from SUNY at Alfred in poultry science, he married his high school sweetheart Gladys E. Pierce on June 16, 1956. He was employed by Alfred State College until 1967. Returning to school, he received his B.S., M.S., and PhD. in marketing and business management from Cornell University in Ithaca. While in Ithaca he came to know Christ and has taught Sunday School and Bible Studies for many years. Leaving Ithaca he joined Farm Credit Banks in Springfield, Mass. as Sr. VP as Director of the Research and New Product Development Department. While there he completed the Advanced Management Program at the Graduate School of Business Administration at Harvard University. In 1989 he joined the Western Farm Credit Banks in Sacramento, Calif. as COO.

In 1998 he retired and moved to Leesburg, Fla. Norman had diverse interests and was always ready to expand his experiences. For years he enjoyed fishing with family and friends whether at Keuka Lake and the Adirondacks in New York, or Sunset Lake in Massachusetts. He started playing tennis at the age of 35, took up golf at 62, and had two hole-in-ones in his playing career. He loved traveling the world and visited such diverse destinations as Africa, Egypt, the Panama Canal, and multiple places within Europe and the United States. He provided numerous and cherished family reunions at Atlantic Beach, N.C. where he would spend hours jumping waves. His sharp wit and humor kept friends and family alike laughing while playing board and card games.

Besides his parents he is predeceased by his granddaughter, Ruth Bauder.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gladys (Pierce) Payne; two daughters, Deborah (Larry) Bauder of Cary, N.C., Cynthia (Duane) Fish of Newington, Conn.; one son, Ross (Julie) Payne of Knaphill, England; grandchildren, Nathan (Gretchen) Bauder of Cary, N.C., Danielle (Anthony) Trussoni of Louisville, Ky., Anna Bauder of Cary, N.C., Joshua Bauder of Cary, N.C., Christina (Brandon) Wiens of St. Catherines, Canada, Brian Fish of Newington, Conn., Charlotte Payne of Knaphill, England, Emily Payne of Knaphill, England; two sisters, Carol (Paul) Hyland of Andover, Judith (Gerald) Perry of Andover; one brother, David (Nancy) Payne of Walworth; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. April 16 at the Alfred Station Seventh Day Baptist Church, Alfred Station. A private burial was held at the Alfred Rural Cemetery, Alfred.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Alfred Station Seventh Day Baptist Church, 587 Rt 244, Alfred Station, N.Y. 14803, the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.
Online Condolences may be left at www.beyersfuneralhome.com

Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Leesburg, Fla.