Dr. Melvin Lee Payne, age 90, of Newnan, Georgia, peacefully entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Piedmont Newnan Hospital.

Dr. Payne was born on August 3, 1935, in Grantville, Georgia, to the late Rufus Payne and Mary Payne. He was raised on the family dairy farm, where he learned the values of hard work and faith. From an early age, he demonstrated a deep love for music, taking piano lessons, and an unwavering devotion to the church, attending every service whenever the doors were open.

Following his graduation from high school, Dr. Payne moved to Atlanta to attend college. His commitment to church life continued, as he faithfully attended singings and revivals throughout the area. Through his love for the Lord and his involvement in these services, he met Dorothy Turner of College Park, whom he married. Together they established their home in Newnan and welcomed their sons, Charles David Payne and Robert Lee Payne.

Dr. Payne served as pianist for Trinity Baptist Church and played for the Servants Quartet. He later became music and youth minister at McIntosh Baptist Church and Mills Chapel Baptist Church, where he answered the call to preach the Gospel. Alongside his beloved wife, Dorothy, he served faithfully in ministry for many years. When the Lord led Dr. Payne and 22 others to begin a new work, Baptist Mission Church was formed. Through prayer, dedication, and God's guidance, that work grew into what would become his proudest earthly achievement—Westside Baptist Church.

In 1998, after nearly forty years of marriage, Dr. Payne was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Dorothy. In 2000, God blessed him once again with companionship when he married Mildred Styles Watson. Together, they shared a deep love for one another and a strong commitment to ministry, serving faithfully side by side.

Dr. Payne retired as senior pastor of Westside Baptist Church after 37 years of devoted service and was honored with the title of Pastor Emeritus. He celebrated his 90th birthday in August of 2025. Though ready to meet his Savior, he deeply cherished his life with Mildred and remained devoted to her until the end.

Throughout his lifetime, Dr. Payne encouraged countless pastors and preachers, supported missionaries sent around the world, and uplifted singers and gospel ministries through his influence and generosity. His passion for sharing the Gospel and his love for the lost leaves a legacy known fully only in eternity. In his later years, he was often heard joyfully proclaiming, while waving his handkerchief, "It's a good day to be a Christian." Today, reunited with many loved ones in Heaven, he now stands at the feet of Jesus, surely declaring once more that it is indeed "a good day to be a Christian."

In addition to his parents and his first wife, Dorothy Payne, Dr. Payne was preceded in death by his brothers, Joe Payne and Charles Payne; his granddaughter, Lilah Johnson; and his great-grandchildren, Hudson Payton, Elijah Fallen, and Ryan Alexander Driver.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mildred Payne; his sons, David Payne and Robert Payne (Roslyn); his daughters, Melissa West (Vince) and Angela Davies (Terry); his grandchildren, Riley, Andrea, Matt (Tiffany), Elizabeth, Alex (Emily), Denver (Melissa), and Maria (Dean); his great-grandchildren, Elliot, Kayden, Caroline, Madelyn, Cadence, and Lennox; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Westside Baptist Church, with Dr. Doug Bearden and Pastor Alton Midgett officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Westside Baptist Church on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, one hour prior to the service.

Higgins Funeral Home Hillcrest Chapel is honored to serve the family of Dr. Melvin Payne. Friends may visit www.hillcrestchapelcares.com to share memories or leave a message of condolence.