Herby Cecil Payne, 81, of Elkview, passed away Friday, June 15, 2012, in Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston.
Payne served in the Korean War with Able Company, 5th Regimental Combat Team and was a survivor of the Battle of Outpost Harry in 1953, when his company of 268 men repelled a brutal night attack by 15,000 Chinese soldiers. Payne's Able Company earned a Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism at Outpost Harry, one of only eight such awards earned in the entire U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
He was a retired mechanic with several coal companies and a member of Left Hand Baptist Church, Left Hand, W.Va.; UMW and Operators Local 132, Clendenin Masonic Lodge 126 AF & AM.
Surviving is loving wife of 60 years, Barbara Cook Payne; sons, Gregory E. Payne and wife Debra of Elkview, Gary M. Payne of Elkview; grandchildren, David Payne and wife Julie Ann of Winfield; great-grandchildren, David II and Audrey Katherine Payne.
He was preceded in death by parents, Charles D. and Dixie Butler Payne; brothers, Okey and Nelson Payne.
Services were held 1 p.m. Sunday, June 17, 2012 at Hafer Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Lee Swor officiating. Burial was in Elk Hills Memorial Park, Big Chimney with military graveside rites by American Legion Post 61, Clendenin and Masonic Graveside rites by Clendenin Masonic Lodge 126 AF & AM.
Friends called from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, June 16, 2012 at the funeral home.
Donations may be made to Hubbard Hospice House, 1001 Kennewa Drive, Charleston, WV 25311
Online condolences may be sent to www.haferfuneralhome.com
Hafer Funeral Home, Elkview is in charge of the arrangements.
