Keith Curtis Panye

Keith Curtis Payne, Jr. was born on December 9, 1969, in Miami, Florida. He was the beloved son of Keith C. Payne, Sr. and Laura K. Payne. He had two brothers: Kenneth L. Payne, who preceded him in death in 1998, and Stanley Payne of Greenville, Alabama. Keith, lovingly known as ‘KC’, was a devoted father and proud grandfather. He leaves behind four children: two daughters, Laura K.V. Payne and Dominique Kelly, and two sons, Darren and Charles Kelly. He was also a loving grandfather to three grandchildren—Kobe Lubin, Kaden Hudson, and Ariana Kelly—with one more precious grandchild on the way. KC was a GREAT father—present, loving, and wholeheartedly committed to his family. In addition to his children, he shared a lifelong bond with his significant other and best friend, Lillie Kelly, who stood by his side through it all. Keith accepted Jesus Christ at an early age at Jordan Grove Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. Douglas Cook. My dad graduated with two high school diplomas—yes, two! He was (and still is) one of the smartest people I know. He graduated from both MacArthur and Carol City— Chiefs, stand up! While at Carol City, he played sports and was part of the Optimist football team as an offensive lineman, even playing alongside the legendary #88 Michael Irvin of the Dallas Cowboys. He also ran track and field, passing that speed and passion down to me, his daughter. He was so dedicated to the sport that he later became a track coach at Allen Park, where he mentored not only his own kids but any child who showed interest. In high school, KC was also a proud member of a club called Look-It-Up—better known as the Encyclopedia Group (told y’all—my dad was smart! Lol). A lifelong learner, he read all types of books and had a deep love for connecting with people - so much so that he taught himself fluent Spanish and beginner-level Chinese. To his daughters, KC was known as “Mr. Make-It-Happen” and “Mr. Fix-It-All.” Instructions? He didn’t need them—if he could see it in his head, consider it done. KC was a force to be reckoned with. Every job he ever held, he approached with such pride and integrity that you would’ve thought it was his own company. He was featured in news articles, received awards, and was constantly recognized for his hard work, tenacity, and dedication. Rain or shine, healthy or not—he always showed up. The morning God called him home, he was getting ready for work. My grandmother, Ms. Payne, told him to stay home and rest. Instead of heading to work, he peacefully entered Heaven’s gates and received the greatest reward of all—hearing the words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Welcome home.” My dad had so many friends—whether from Myrtle Grove, Carol City, H&E, Sunbelt, Synergy, or beyond. He was, and STILL IS, deeply loved. He leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and cherished loved ones. On behalf of myself, Laura K.V. Payne, I want to give special thanks to my dad’s job family, the entire Payne family, Mrs. Lois Henry Martin (your support has truly gone above and beyond), the Kelly family for all your kind words, and every single person here supporting us during this difficult time. I know my dad is looking down, thankful and full of appreciation.

Keith Curtis Panye

December 9, 1969 - May 6, 2025

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