Jody Grey Payne

Mr. Jody Grey Payne, age 53, of Dobson, NC, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, NC. He was born in Mount Airy, NC, on March 31, 1972, to the late Kenneth Ray Payne and Dorthy Mae Branch Cave.

After Jody Payne graduated from Surry Central High School in 1990, he went on to complete an Associate of Applied Science in Machine Tool Technology at Surry Community College. He worked as a machinist for nearly 2 decades before moving on to woodworking and officiating baseball and football. Loved ones noted, that If he wasn’t calling ball he was watching it.

Jody was the king of one-liners and could recite the exact script of all his favorite movies. He was always willing and ready to go on last-minute road trips or a ride on his Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. Jody was a constant presence among the youth, from volunteering at schooling events to donating countless hours towards athletics. Family and friends always looked forward to the winter season, as Jody was a renowned sausage maker. In his free time you could find him on the golf course, playing cards, or at sporting events.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Gaynell Hayslip and Janice Payne; brother, Kenneth Payne; and grandson, Coalson Payne. Left to cherish his memory are his son, Matthew Payne; daughter, Morgan Payne; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathy (Richard) Pegram and Pat (Mickey) Brookes; brother and sister-in-law, Tony (Patsy) Payne; many nieces and nephews; many great nieces and nephews; many cousins; best friends, Kris (Jill) Dockery, Philip (Dena) Cave, Luke Cave, and long term rook partner Chris “Tiny” (Michelle) White; the mother of his children, Mercie Payne; and many friends, too numerous to name.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 at Moody-Davis Funeral Service in Dobson. A funeral Service will be held Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM, in the Moody-Davis Chapel, with Pastor Mickey Brooks and Jody Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow in the Fisher River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

Family would like to thank everyone for their love and support during Jody’s illness. They would like to give a special thanks to Mountain Valley Hospice staff for their exceptional care, compassion, and support. The family will accept visitors at the residence of his children. Flowers will be accepted or memorials will be made to Fisher River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery fund, in care of Kathy Pegram, 4058 Pleasant Ridge Road, State Road, 28676. Moody-Davis Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Payne family.