Beni F. Payne, Sr., 73, of Charleston, WV. went home to be with the Lord on March 19, 2022.

He was born in Carbon, WV. on October 11, 1948 to the late Harrison Payne, Sr. and Fannie Mae Hicklen-Payne.

Beni received Christ and was baptized at Levi Missionary Baptist Church by Pastor Benjamin Merchant. Recently he attended Restoration Praise Temple.

He graduated from East Bank High School and graduated from West Virginia State College (WVSU) with a Board of Regents Bachelor of Arts degree. Beni played football all through his high school and college years as a well-known defensive back. He was employed by FMC in South Charleston for many years. Beni retired from West Virginia State University's chemistry department.

Beni was very involved with his community. He was a member of the Pershing Rifle Men's fraternity. He was also a member of the Lost Soul's and several other Harley Davison motorcycle charters. Beni was a coach for the Capital City Striders for 10 plus years, taking them to the Jr. Olympics 8 of those years.

He had many hobbies. His love for music brought him to working as a sound man for Stratus. Beni was into cars, watching racing, and a had big love for model trains.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Jean Mimms Williams, Gloria Brown, Larry Payne and Kim Payne.

Beni leaves behind his two former wives, Margaret Payne and Ivy Payne, who remained his best friends; his children, Marveeta Obey, Traci Payne Top (Bob), Beni Payne, Jr., Tasha Payne Baldwin (Michael), LaTisha Obey, and Lynette Obey; 11 grandchildren, Cameron, Ahjanae, Richard, Nevaeh, DaCaahri, Jaden, Beni D., JaLeah, Lacey, Mekhi, and Kymir; nine great-grandchildren; siblings, Harrison Payne, Rosalind Payne Harris, Brenda Kotoye, Vanessa Payne, Robin Payne, and Lt. David Payne; and his best friend, Tommy Davenport.

A funeral service will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 1, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

Friends may visit one hour prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.