Thomas E. Payne “Tom the tomato man”
Thomas E. Payne, 86, of 7722 Rte. 417W., Bolivar, passed away Monday, April 15, 2024 at Wellsville Manor after a short illness.
Born on August 11, 1937, in Wellsville, he was a son of Vaughn A. and Frances (Bryan) Payne. On September 12, 1958, in Richmond, VA he married the former Charlotte Crandall who survives.
Tom went to school in Pensacola Florida. He had worked at Reid Hayden in Richmond, VA, Smith Construction in Pensacola, FL, Pratt & Whitney Air Craft in Hartford CT, St. Franics Hospital in Olean, Martin Dry Cleaners in Attica, and last was a counselor for the New York State Department of Corrections retiring in 1999.
He was best known for selling his veggies, fruits and flowers in Cuba, Allegany, Portville, and Bolivar from his roadside stand.
In addition to his wife
Charlotte of Bolivar, he is survived by
4 Children William Payne, Bolivar
Patricia (Dave) Darrin, Auburn
Diana (Dan Cowell) Smith, Bolivar
Steven (Jessica) Payne Auburn
5 Grandchildren Charace
(Nick), Jeremy, Joshua, Brad (Lynsey), Angela (Ken)
Great Grandchildren Hannah, Hazel, Harper, Kenny, Spencer, and
Lilly
One Sister Nancy Mattox Dallas, Texas
Several Nieces and Nephews
A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 at the Richburg Firemen’s Clubhouse, Griffin Street, Richburg, New York 14774 beginning at 3:00 P.M.
Arrangements are under
direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc.,
Bolivar.