Obituary of Bethel M. Payne

Kingsport - Bethel M. Payne, 89, of Kingsport, died Saturday, July 26, 2014 at Indian Path Medical Center after years of declining health. He was born October 26, 1924 in Blackwater, VA. Bethel volunteered and joined the U.S. Navy at the beginning of World War II. On D-Day, June 6, 1944 in Normandy, he was a gunner and backup coxswain on a top-secret Rocket Boat Mission, clearing Omaha Beach of enemy Pillboxes ahead of the U.S. troop invasion. Several years ago, Bethel received a Congressional Commendation for his heroic performance at Normandy and in January 2013, State Representative Tony Shipley privately delivered a proclamation issued by the Tennessee House of Representatives citing and declaring heroic actions taken that day for the single-handed elimination of several German Pillboxes, just minutes prior to the Normandy Invasion. These heroic actions were memorialized in a book by William H. Palmer, Jr. entitled "We Called Ourselves Rocketboatmen." Following the end of World War II, Bethel moved to Kingsport where he went to work for Borden Mills (which later became J.P. Stevens Co.), and worked there for forty five years - the last thirty of which he was a foreman, retiring in 1996. He was a member of the VFW, enjoyed gardening, listening to blue grass music, going to flea markets working on his vehicles and several lawn mowers. Bethel had a loving generous spirit toward his fellowmen and enjoyed helping other people and never refused anyone in need. The family would like to extend a special thank you to a special friend and caregiver, Nancy Oaks. He was preceded in death by his parents, Worley and Cannie Bowen Payne; sister, Georgia Maye Payne Spears; brothers, Sidney Payne, twin brother, Dan Payne and Bill Payne. He is survived by his son Scott Payne and wife, Rita; brother, Connie Payne; several nieces and nephews and a special companion, Nancy Oaks. The family will receive friends from 4 - 6 pm Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, 520 Watauga St., Kingsport, TN. A funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel with Evangelist Garry Hood. Music will be provided by Evangelist Garry Hood & Servant's Heart. Military Graveside Rites will be conducted at 2 pm Thursday, July 31, 2014 at Oak Hill Memorial Park, by the VFW Boone Dam Post #4933. Pallbearers will be Scott Payne, Lawrence Payne, Luke Minor, Jr., Michael Wyatt, Brittany Oaks and Wesley Oaks. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 1 pm Thursday to go to the cemetery in a procession. Memorial Contributions may be made to VFW Boone Dam Post #4933, 830 Minga Rd., Kingsport, TN 37663. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport, is serving the family of Bethel Payne.