Clarence

Payne

Clarence "Clay" Payne, born on November 13, 1950, in Notasugota, Alabama, passed away on January 31, 2026, in Englewood New Jersey.  He was 75 years old.
Clay is preceded in death by his father Henry Payne Jr.and his mother Janie Mae People Payne, his brother William Payne.  He is survived by his wife Edna Koonce Payne of 44 years, his sister Ester Richardson, brother John Henry Payne, Aunt Sarah Joseph Booker, Joseph Sandford, Florine Jonathan, Pricilla McKenzie, neighbor/daughter Amy Bullock, a host of nieces, nephews and loved ones too numerous to mention here.

A man of remarkable skill and resilience, Clay lived a life defined by service, craftsmanship, and quiet strength.  After completing high school, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army.  During the Vietnam War, he served as a helicopter pilot and aircraft mechanic and earned numerous commendations for his dedication and expertise. His military honors include the Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/Two Campaign Credits, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 device, Expert Badge (Hand Grenade), and the Marksmanship Badge (M-16 Rifle) – testaments to his precision and commitment under pressure.

Following his military service, Clay settled in Englewood, New Jersey where he established and operated an automotive repair shop.  To say that Clay was a mechanic would be an understatement, he possessed an extraordinary ability to dismantle and reassemble vehicles with ease and insight that few could match.  His shop became more than just a place of business – it was a hub where many came not only for repairs but also for advice and camaraderie.  His hands were always busy solving problems or building something new.

Clay's talents extended far beyond engines and tools.  He had a creative spirit that found expression in unexpected ways – most notably through his handcrafted walking sticks.  Each one was unique and often adorned with jewelry borrowed from his wife's collection – "she's not using it anyway", he would quip with a mischievous grin.  Whether fashioning something out of necessity or simply for the joy of creation, Clay had an uncanny ability to make things both useful and beautiful.

Though he often joked that "God didn't like him", Clay never denied God's existence.  Those who knew him best said he lived like a cat with nine lives – always finding another chance, another day.  His resilience became part of his legend among family and friends.

Clarence "Clay" Payne leaves behind a legacy built not only on mechanical mastery but also on grit, humor, and quiet generosity.  May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to those who hear his story.