GySgt Hugh Lewis Payne, USMC Retired

GySgt Hugh Lewis Payne, USMC Retired, 84, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Carteret Health Care.

A funeral service to honor Hugh’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 3rd at Munden Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Keith Bischer. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Park. The family will receive friends the evening prior from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Friday, January 2nd at Munden Funeral Home.

Hugh was born on June 11, 1941, in Cartersville, Georgia, to the late Dewy and Lydia Payne. A devoted husband for 54 years, Hugh shared a lifetime of love and memories with his beloved wife, Ruby. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, retiring with the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.

In Hugh’s spare time, he loved being outdoors. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing, often sharing his experiences with his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Ruby of the home; brothers, Paul Payne of Blue Ridge, Georgia, Thomas Payne of Ellijay, Georgia; and his dogs, Rosie, Mango, Gypsy, and Brownie.

In addition to his parents, Hugh was preceded in death by his sisters, Evelyn Weatherington and Grace; and brothers, J.R. Payne, H.B. Payne, Marvin Payne, and James Payne.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.