Obituary of Thomas Bush Payne

Mr. Thomas Bush Payne, age 73, of Barnesville, Georgia, passed away on Friday, January 28th, 2022 at his home. Tom was born on Thursday, September 9, 1948 to the late Mary Elizabeth Payne and Henry Moses Payne. He was a graduate of Mercer University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Georgia State University with a Master’s degree in Accounting. Tom loved nature, and the State of Georgia, and spent his professional life with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. After he retired, Tom continued to live, and inspire others to live, in passionate engagement with the wonders of our shared world. He was President and an officer of Georgia Wilderness Society numerous times, and led and joined friends on camping, canoeing, hiking, and swamping trips across the Southeast. Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Holly, his children, Brian and Dawn, his daughter-in-law Malisa, and his grandchildren Tommy, Annika, and Ari. He is also survived by many extended family, as well as dearly loved friends and companions. A visitation for Mr. Thomas Bush Payne will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2022, from 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. at Williams-Westbury Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Georgia River Network at 126 South Milledge Avenue, Suite E3, Athens, Georgia 30605. To leave an online condolence please visit www.williams-westburyfuneralhome.com Williams-Westbury Funeral Home, 526 College Drive, Barnesville, is serving the Payne family.