Eugene "Gene" Payne

Eugene A. Payne, 70, of Berkshire, NY passed away on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022. Gene is survived by his high school sweetheart, best friend and loving wife of 51 years, Betty (Pine) Payne and their sons and daughters-in-law: Brian and Tami Payne and Christopher and Jessica Payne; his cherished grandchildren: Derek, Travis, Cadence and Jackson Payne; his brothers and sisters-in law: James Cricket and Michele Payne, John and Melody Payne and his sister and brother-in-law, Terri and Jim Lenny Marsh. Gene also leaves many, many friends who will miss his mischievous shenanigans. Gene was predeceased by his parents Eugene L and Marie R. Payne and infant son William Daniel Payne. Gene has always been an auto enthusiast. It seems as though he was born with an auto repair gene in his blood. In high school he studied at BOCES and worked at the Mill Street Body Shop in Newark Valley. Then in 1971 he established his own auto body repair shop in Berkshire. It did not take long for his business to expand. He took great pride in his work and his reputation for honesty and perfectionism spread throughout the counties. He and Betty had owned and operated Skyline Raceway in Cortland, NY for a time and following in his Dads footsteps he built and occasionally drove late model race cars (#93). There never seemed to be a challenge too great for Gene to tackle. Lately, he and Betty were doing major flip home restorations. Gene was a rather quiet and unassuming man but his many acts of kindness, his caring and giving ways and his love of animals have left a notable impression and influence on his family and many friends. Well done Gene.we will sure miss you. Genes family will receive friends on Friday, Aug 19th from 3-6 pm at the MacPherson Funeral Home in Newark Valley to share stories and memories. Online condolences may also be written in his guestbook at macphersonfh.com For those wishing to honor his memory, kindly consider Stray Haven Humane Society, 194 Shepherd Rd. Waverly, NY 14892 in loving memory of Eugene A Payne.