Jan McRay Payne

Jan McRay Payne went home to be with God on September 7, 2026 after a long and meaningful life filled with family and love.

Jan was born on March 23, 1942, in Kiester, Minnesota.

Jan passed away after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, but he will always be remembered as a caring family man who was deeply loved and respected by many.

Jan grew up in Welcome, Minnesota, where he met his wife of 62 years, Rosemary. Together with family and friends, he helped run Payne’s Café in Welcome, where he enjoyed serving others and engaging with the community.

Jan was drafted into the Army in 1967, completed basic training at Fort Bragg, NC and combat training at Fort Polk, Louisiana and then completed his service at Fort Ord, California.

Jan attended Mankato State University and, after graduating, began a career in the property and casualty insurance industry that would remain his professional focus for the next 50 years. He took great pride in his work and truly enjoyed the people he worked with along the way.

Above all, Jan loved his family. In his eyes, his children and grandchildren could do no wrong. He was a car guy who enjoyed tinkering with his classic Mercedes automobiles, and he also loved restoring and refinishing old furniture and keeping his yard the best on the block - Jan and Rosemary lived in the Park Crossing neighborhood in Charlotte, NC for 38 years amongst wonderful neighbors and friends.

Some of his favorite times were the annual family beach trips each summer to Sunset Beach, North Carolina—days filled with fun, sun, laughter, and family.

Jan is survived by his wife, Rosemary Payne of Rock Hill, South Carolina; son Gregory Jon Payne of Charlotte, North Carolina, and children Gavin, Chase, and Sadie and their mother Jennifer Payne; son Chad McRay Payne of Brea, California, his wife, Sibu, and children Nathan and Allison; and daughter Nicole Shirlee Swainey of Rock Hill, South Carolina, her husband, Anthony, and children Hannah, Addie, and Trey.

Jan is also survived by his brother, Michael Payne of Redding, California, Michael’s wife, Mary, and their children and families; Rosemary’s sister, Rachel Tormondsen of Barnum, Minnesota, Rachel’s husband, Dale, and their children and families; and many other relatives and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Shirley Eugene Payne; his mother, Doris Payne Miles; his brother Gene Payne and Gene’s wife, Anne; his brother Steve Payne and Steve’s wife, Mimi; Rosemary’s parents, Gordon and Ethel Schwager; and many other relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank the wonderful, caring staff at High Point Assisted Living and Memory Care in Fort Mill, South Carolina, for the comfort and care they provided through Jan’s journey as well as the Providence Hospice team for all their help at the end.

Help us celebrate Jan’s life and remember the wonderful, heartfelt, and fun memories he gave to all who loved him – please share your memories in the guest book for all to enjoy.

There will be a private family gathering to celebrate Jan’s life and a burial ceremony will be in Welcome, Minnesota at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to the Sunset Beach Old Bridge Historical Society @ Sunset Beach Old Bridge Historical Society.

One of Jan’s favorite sayings was, “Let it go and give it to God.”