Jeffery Louis Payne

March 16, 1959 – Oct. 27th, 2025

Jeff was born in Richmond, KY to Rex and Lavon Payne. They later moved to Lexington, KY where he grew up and attended school. From a young age Jeff loved fishing and was indulged in that love many times with his Dad on Lake Cumberland.  He was baptized at 12 yrs. old.  Early on Jeff showed his entrepreneurial skills by purchasing candy, soft drinks, and fireworks then reselling them at school for a profit. His work ethic also surfaced as he took a job with his good friend Rick at Diners Playhouse at 14yrs of age through 18 yrs old. This provided him with the cash to purchase his first car.

After graduating form Bryan Station H.S. Jeff attended Lexington Technical Institute while continuing to work. He completed his education at Rets Technical School in Louisville graduating in 1985. Jeff then took a job with Stromberg Carlson starting his nearly 40 year career in telecommunications/ internet, broadband, and finishing in Management. The job took Jeff to Lake Mary, Florida where he met the love of his life and soulmate Joni. They married Jan. 1st, 1988 in Jeff's Granny's church, and began family life with their son Neil. The family expanded when Neil married Ricky in 2017.

After Stromberg Carlson/Siemens closed in 2003 Jeff and Joni moved to Louisiana where they lived until 2012 working for Lumen.  They then transferred back to Winter Park, FL.  Jeff continued to work there until retiring in 2023.

Social life included many life long friends from school, work, and childhood. He and Joni traveled the US for many UK basketball games and took beach trips with friends every Memorial and Labor Day weekend. On multiple occasions they traveled to Hawaii,  staying for months on their last trip there.  Jeff was an avid reader. He loved history in particular and dabbling in finance. He was a serious man who could be counted on. His word was GOLD.

Jeff is survived by his Dad Rex Payne, Wife Joni Payne, Son Neil Payne, Son in Law Ricky Figueroa, Sister Mishelle Shaffo, (husband Mic), Brother Derrick Payne, (wife Jackie). And many loving Cousins, Nieces, and Nephews.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Jeff's favorite charity, The Picnic Project.

Book of Wisdom chapter 4 verses 7-8.

"But the righteous one, though he die early, shall be at rest.  For the age that is honorable comes not with the passing of time, nor can it be measured in terms of years. "