September 5, 1945 – November 17, 2023
KITTY HAWK — S. Chris Payne, Sr., passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 17, 2023, to join his eternal family in Heaven. He was predeceased by his parents, Mabel Best and Clyde Hooper Payne, his brother, Michael S. Payne, all of Stumpy Point, and his son, S. Chris Payne Jr., of Manteo.
Chris grew up in Stumpy Point and graduated from Manteo High School. He attended Norfolk Business College, the UNC School of Banking, and the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. Chris was also an Army veteran and served in the Vietnam War. Upon returning from Vietnam to the Outer Banks, Chris began his career at Planters Bank.
During his 34-year banking career, Chris epitomized the term “community banker.” He loved watching his clients grow and succeed. Knowing he was helping fulfill their business dreams and enrich the Outer Banks community, he cherished brought him a lot of joy.
After retiring, Chris began his own real estate company, Salt Water Realty. He continued his passion for consulting and helping Outer Banks residents achieve their dreams through real estate.
Having a love for the Outer Banks, Chris was a leader in many civic organizations. Amongst his many numerous roles, he was: secretary of the Oregon Inlet Commission, board director for the Wanchese Seafood Industrial Park Authority, president of the Dare County Chamber of Commerce, president of the Dare County Jaycees, president of the American Cancer Society Dare County Chapter, president of the Outer Banks Ducks Unlimited, the first board chairman of the Interfaith Community Outreach and worked with community leaders to bring the YMCA to the beach. As a founding father of Colington United Methodist Church, Chris served in various positions (in order to see his church grow) and taught Sunday school for 25 years. One of Chris’s most cherished awards was the Wooden Bell Award presented to him by the Interfaith Community Outreach.
If Chris had any free time, you could find him on his boat using the commercial fishing heritage he was so proud of. His love of golf took him to join Duck Woods Country Club and play golf at every opportunity. Chris also loved entertaining friends, and if you really got him going, he’d break out his guitar for an evening of great fun.
Surviving Chris is his wife, Anna “Chip” Payne of Southern Shores, son Barry Payne (Laryssa) of Omaha, Nebraska; daughter-in-law Kim Payne of Jarvisburg, stepson Mike Riddick, Jr. (Mary Adelaide) of Raleigh, stepdaughter Anna Winslow (Dale) of Kill Devil Hills, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Colington United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Interfaith Community Outreach (PO Box 1663, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948, www.interfaithoutreach.com) or Colington United Methodist Church (PO Box 3425, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948).
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
