Jesse Nelson Payne, Jr. (1939-2026)

Jesse Nelson Payne, Jr., 87, of Tylertown, Mississippi went home to be with the Lord on September 15, 2026. A devoted husband, proud father of two, and beloved grandfather to three, Jesse lived a full life marked by hard work, accomplishment, adventure, and, above all, a deep love for his family.

Jesse was born in Tylertown in 1939 to Jesse Nelson Payne, Sr. and Leila Bennett Payne. He, along with his siblings, grew up on a self-sustaining homestead and experienced a childhood like no other. He developed independence, determination, and strong work ethic that would remain with him throughout his life. He attended Tylertown Primary School before earning a BS in mechanical engineering at Mississippi State University. Later, he continued his education at the University of New Orleans, earning a Master of Business Administration degree.

Jesse enjoyed a long and successful career. He began his professional life at TVA in Tuscumbia, Alabama where he met his future wife. Subsequently, Jesse moved to New Orleans and joined Chrysler, where he had the remarkable opportunity to work on the Saturn V booster for NASA during the era of the Apollo space program. He later joined Occidental Chemical Company, where he served as plant manager and Director of Agricultural Products.

On September 5, 1964, Jesse wed the love his life, Olavee “Vicky” Davis. Together, they built a wonderful life filled with family, adventure, and countless memories. They especially enjoyed travelling by RV with family, singing karaoke with friends, and spending lots of great times with their children and grandkids!

Of all his accomplishments, Jesse was most proud of his family. He was a devoted and loving father to Wyndham C. Payne and Sheila Payne Benoit, and father-in-law to Craig M. Benoit who will dearly miss him and will forever cherish the many lessons, values, and memories he gave them.

To his three grandchildren-- Trevor Payne Benoit, Kenleigh Anna Benoit and Tregre Michael Benoit—he was simply “Papa Joe”. He loved being their grandfather, and the time he spent with them brought him tremendous joy. To his family, Papa Joe will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the love, wisdom, laughter, and example he leaves behind.

Jesse took great pride in being a “Payne” and had a deep love for his family. He embraced being a father and grandfather and found tremendous joy in both roles. Those who knew him will remember his easy smile, his warmth, and the happiness he found in the people around him.

Jesse was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Luling, Louisiana, where his faith and commitment to service were an important part of his life. He served for decades as a deacon and also chaired the church’s Finance Committee.

His dedication to community extended beyond the church. Jesse was appointed to the St. Charles Parish Water Board, where he faithfully served for many years.

Simply put, Jesse was loved by all wherever life took him--from Tylertown to Starkville, Tuscumbia, Ama, Nashville, Tuscaloosa and beyond! He will be deeply missed, but the kindness, wisdom, laughter and love he shared will live on in those who knew him.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Vicky Payne, and his siblings Peggy Bealer, Mary Helen Payne, Elsie Sutton, Diane Patton, Donald Payne, Jim Payne, Lewis Payne, Ralph Payne, Roger Payne, Wayne Payne.

He is survived by his siblings Percy Payne, Catherine “Kit” Peneguy, Mildred “Sue” Guillory, Charles Lawrence “Larry” Payne, Barbara Payne Delnero; his children Wyndham C. Payne and Sheila Payne Benoit and her husband Craig; and his grandchildren Trevor Payne Benoit, Kenleigh Anna Benoit, and Tregre Michael Benoit.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 25, at 11:30 a.m. at Hartman Hughes Funeral Home, followed by burial service at Tylertown Cemetery II. Friends and family are invited to visitation beginning at 10:30 and continuing until shortly before the funeral service.