Tracy Payne

Tracy A. Payne, 59, died at 12:12pm March 1, 2024, at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center following an extended and courageous battle with cancer.

Also surviving is their daughter Olivia Payne, Chillicothe; his mother Nilla L. Payne, Greenfield; his father Billie Payne, Pataskala; his brothers Bill Payne, Chillicothe; and Donald (Winnie) Payne, Milford; sisters Deborah (James) Johnson, Lebanon, Dianna (Joe) Sayre, Granville, and Des'Aray (Ryan) Karr, Johnstown; his mother-in-law Kay (Homer) Austin, Frankfort; sisters-in-law Kimberly Jackson (Wendy Cross), Candy Jackson, and Susan Jackson; brother-in-law Brian (Angel) Jackson; and a host of nieces and nephews, including a special niece Tasha Payne.  He was predeceased by his brother Douglas Payne; niece Jade Payne; step-mother Marty Payne; and father-in-law Edward Jackson.

Tracy's life was a testament to love, strength, and devotion. He embraced every role with complete dedication: father, husband, uncle, brother, son, friend, and handyman. After graduating from McClain High School in 1983, Tracy began working at Greenfield Printing (RR Donnelly) until 2013. Following the closure of RR Donnelly, he transitioned to Madru Plumbing, where he worked until 2020. Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, Tracy persisted in pursuing his independent home remodeling business, Payne Remodeling. Over the years, he fostered numerous friendships within the community through his dedicated work. Tracy's work wasn't just a job; it was his beloved hobby and passion, keeping him fully engaged.

His family brought him his greatest pride and joy. Tracy cherished his family above all else. His wife, Wendy, was not only his partner but also his best friend. He treasured every moment with her and was immensely proud to call her his other half. The love they shared was indescribable, and finding a partner like Tracy was truly rare. His daughter, Olivia, was his heart, and he beamed with pride at all her accomplishments, proudly sharing with anyone who asked that she was a graduate of Ohio University. Being a father was his favorite job.

Tracy was friendly and sociable, always sporting a big smile. He had a knack for striking up conversations with anyone, never meeting a stranger. Tracy loved sharing about his work and would eagerly whip out his phone to share the many pictures of his projects to anyone willing to listen.

A fighter like no other, Tracy battled cancer with remarkable bravery. Despite undergoing chemotherapy every other weekend for years, he continued to work, laying tile, hooking up dishwashers, painting bedrooms, and more. Many people didn't even know he was battling colon cancer because he didn't let it define him. Tracy faced the formidable challenge of cancer with dedication, never allowing it to dim his zest for life.

We can write endlessly about him, sharing numerous wonderful aspects of his life that many people didn't know. Just understand that he was deeply loved, cherished, and appreciated, and losing him is a pain that will be forever.

Rest in peace, Tracy. We miss you so much already.

His funeral service will be held at 1pm Saturday, March 9, 2023, at Zion Baptist Church, 84 S. Clinton Rd., Chillicothe, with Rev. Aaron Lawrence officiating.  Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 11am until 1pm Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request that a card and/or memory of Tracy be sent to the family at 441 Mill St., Chillicothe, OH 45601.