Carlos Mitchell Payne

Carlos Mitchell Payne, age 73 of Tallapoosa, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Tallapoosa on September 30, 1952, he was the son of the late Willie "Bill" Payne and the late Limmer "Cleo" Brown Payne. In addition to his parents, Carlos is preceded in death by his brother, Billy Payne, nephew, Rodney Payne, and niece, Terri Trevino.

Carlos Mitchell Payne’s life began in the heart of Tallapoosa, where he formed lasting connections and established an enduring presence in his community. Throughout his years, Carlos held a special bond with his hometown and was proud to be a member of the Tallapoosa community.  After graduating high school, Carlos worked at Stoffel Seals and then found his passion as a fire fighter for the city of Tallapoosa. He retired from the city after many devoted years of service.  

Carlos married his high school sweetheart, Martha, and loved her until his last breath.  His children and grandchildren meant the world to him, but in his last few years his great-grandchildren were his joy.  His world revolved around his family and friends.  Carlos loved to meet and talk to people, never meeting a stranger.  He found joy in telling stories, and sometimes you weren't quite sure if the stories were all true as he had a great sense of humor.  In his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping in the RV.  Carlos was a man of faith and a dedicated member of the Tallapoosa Church of Christ. He will be missed, remembered with affection, and honored for the life he led and the community he served.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 54 years, Martha G. Payne; his son and daughter-in-law, Cory & Kimberly Payne of Bremen; his daughter and son-in-law, Mendy & Jacob Rutledge of Tallapoosa; his precious grandchildren: Gabe & Sydney Johnson of Hartselle, AL, Cody & Savannah Payne of Buchanan, and Jake Rutledge of Marietta; and the joy of his life, his great-grandchildren: Emory Grace Johnson, Melia Nicole Johnson, Zeke Johnson, and Canaan James Payne. Also surviving are his sister and brother-in-law, Sue & Paul Kirkpatrick of Cedartown; six nieces and nephews; and numerous friends.

The family will host a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Bremen Church of Christ.  Family and friends will be invited to share stories of their encounters with Carlos.

Hutcheson's Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Buchanan is honored to serve the cremation needs of the Payne family.