RALPH "REX" PAYNE

Ralph “Rex” Payne, 91, took his last breath on earth and his first breath in heaven on Friday, February 20, 2026. He passed away at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, TN after a brief illness.

Rex is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Kate (Chaffin) Payne; a brother, Harold Payne and sister-in-law, Gladys (Martin) Payne; and, a sister, Marie Scott and brother-in-law, F.M. Scott.

Rex graduated from Coeburn High School and Hiwassee College where he played football at both institutions. Rex was a proud alumnus of Hiwassee and continued attending reunions and other events until his health prevented him from doing so. Rex retired from the Wise County School System after a long, successful career as a classroom teacher, football coach, truant officer, and vocational assessor. In retirement, Rex established Payne Driving School and taught driver’s safety classes and driver’s education behind-the-wheel training to countless Wise County residents including grandchildren and great nieces and nephews. Rex raised purebred Beagles his entire life and he loved rabbit hunting. On the top of the list of things Rex loved were his family and friends and UT football. He was a die-hard VOLS fan and took great pride in the fact that he was always a “season ticket holder.” If the VOLS were playing home at Neyland Stadium, Rex was finding a buddy -usually his brother, Harold -to make the trip to Knoxville.

Rex is survived by his wife of 42 years, Louellen (Bevins) Payne; daughters, Kathy (Payne) Livingston (Jeff) of Coeburn, VA; Cindy (Payne) Fitzpatrick (Tim) of Woodbridge, VA; Cindy Lou (Whitaker) Ferguson (James) of Roanoke, VA; and a son, David Whitaker of Georgia. Rex is also survived by grandchildren, Nathan Livingston of Ocala, FL; Nick Livingston and Nia Livingston, both of Coeburn, VA; Tom (Cara) Fitzpatrick of

Denver, CO; and, April (Kelly) Fitzpatrick of Richmond, VA. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation for Rex Payne was held on Monday, February 23, 2026 from 5:00-6:00 P.M. with a celebration of life service beginning at 6:00 P.M. at Estes Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Jewell Worley officiating. Burial will be 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Temple Hill Memorial Park. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home at 12:15 P.M. to go to the cemetery in procession.

Online condolences may be sent at www.estesfuneralhomes.com  . 

Estes Funeral Home of Coeburn, VA is honored to serve the family of Rex Payne.