Gene Erwin Payne, 51, of Gloucester, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 1, 2025, after courageously facing a prolonged battle with his health.
Gene was born on December 1, 1972. He was the youngest of 12 children, born to the late Ann and James Payne. He was educated in the Gloucester County Public School System, and was a member of The Holy Temple Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Inc.
Gene was a cool, fun, and outgoing person. He was an intelligent man, knowledgeable on many subjects, who could out-talk you on most topics. Gene was a “jack of all trades.” He was a truly talented barber, opening Professional Touch Barber Shop at Gloucester Point Shopping Center in the ’90s. After several successful years, he shifted his entrepreneurial focus to another of his interests, landscaping. He started Professional Touch Landscaping, servicing many residential and commercial properties. Gene was also a gifted mechanic. Although, he was not formally trained, he was incredibly skilled and was often the mechanic of choice for family, friends, and numerous community members.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Ann and James Payne; sisters, Brenda Wright, Joyce Payne, Rachel Payne, Marcia Sutherlin; brothers, Tyrone Payne, Garland Payne; and a nephew, Daniel Paige.
He leaves to cherish his memory, daughters, Jasmine Payne, Jaidyn Forrest, and Joelle Forrest; son, Noah Payne; sisters, Diane Paige, Sharon Payne, and Dale Payne; brothers, Wayne Payne and Kevin Payne; brother-in-law, William Wright; aunts, Rose Gainey, Sylvia Payne, Charletta Jordan, and Ellen Harris; uncle, Frank Carey, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at The First United Baptist Church, Gloucester.