An amazing, selfless, handsome, and charismatic baby boy was born to Lovea and Antonio Payne, Sr. on July 30, 1983. Antonio "Tony" Payne, Jr. aka "Peewee" lived his 41 years of life full of love and service to others. He accepted Christ at an early age, where he attended Peace Baptist Church. He later went on to join Sardis Baptist Church, where he was a junior deacon and a member of the Sardis Basketball League, and The Worship Center. Ultimately, he firmly planted his feet at Bethel Baptist Church, Dolomite in June 2011 under the leadership of Rev. L.A. Whitt. There, he was found working as the soundboard operator and assisting many of the elderly and mobility challenged members to their home and cars.

Born in Birmingham, AL and a graduate of Wenonah High School c/o 2002, Tony participated in many extracurricular activities throughout his elementary, middle, and high school years. He was a proud member of Wenonah High School's U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) – Drill Team and the Marching Dragons Band as a base drum player.

Following his love for music, Tony attended Miles College, where he was a member of the Purple Marching Machine (PMM). During his time in the band, he was under the direction of Professor Arthur Means, Jr. and crossed Radet Rho Percussion Section fall of 2002. At Miles, is where a certain "Golden Star" caught his eye.

A Story of Love…

Tony and Tamesha met in the fall of 2002 during PMM Summer Band Camp, where they quickly became friends and bus partners. Remaining as friends for many years, their friendship matured into a relationship, followed by engagement in February 2009. On May 11, 2010, London Grace Payne made her entrance into this world as their first child, and on September 25, 2010, Tony and Tamesha officially tied the knot as husband and wife. After six years of marriage, Mason King Payne was born on August 2, 2016.

Family

Nothing made Tony prouder than being a father to his children. They were truly his pride and joy. He was very protective of them and was present in every aspect of their lives. He took great pride in being a "Dance Dad" for London during The Pointe dance classes and as a Band Booster for Minor High School's Sounds of Superior Marching Band. He also faithfully took Mason to drum and guitar lessons weekly. Being present and taking care of his family, was the most important thing to Tony. Out of 14 years of marriage, many memories of love, silliness, and togetherness were the cornerstone of the Payne's Family - Party of Four.

Tony's love and commitment for his family was just as strong for his siblings- including his only sister Ayanna, often blurring the role lines between Big Brother and Dad. He was one of her biggest supporters and protector. These two were often found cracking jokes on each other or laughing about prior memories they shared together. Through it all, it was apparent that these two shared a very special brother and sister bond.

Tony's grandmother, Leona, meant the world to him. The two of them would often be spotted at the library, piano and saxophone lessons, and many community service events. Her heavy presence in raising him helped mold him to be the loveable, respectful, person everyone knew and loved today.

His father, Big Tony, was a vital person in his life and shared many special moments together throughout his life. His mother, Lovea, was one of the lights of his life, as they shared a special bond from birth. They exhibited a true mother and son relationship. He could always depend on his mother's love and support. Tony was her baby. In total, he honored, respected, and adored these three wholeheartedly. There was absolutely nothing he would not do for them. His love for them was endless, as well as their love for him.

Live to Ride

Anyone who knew of Tony, knew, outside of family, there was something else he loved hard- and that was motorcycles. He was a biker in every sense of the word and as much as his family life would allow. He loved to ride and even when not riding, found joy in watching his favorite "biker" movies repeatedly, which were Wild Hogs and Biker Boyz. He joined the Jokers Wrath Motorcycle Club and finally got his first sports bike. He eventually landed his big boy Harley Davidson and that became his favorite toy.

Something that brought him such enjoyment, is what ultimately led to his demise. On the morning of October 20, 2024, the beautiful light and love that Tony shared with the world, came to an unexpected end.

Tony is proceeded in death by his Grandfather Mr. Riley Payne, his aunt, Rica Payne, and maternal grandmother, Rosie Williams.

He leaves to cherish in his precious memories, his loving and devoted wife of 14 years Tamesha, and two amazing children, London (14) and Mason (8); his father, Antonio Sr., and mother, Lovea; his sister, Ayanna, PhD, and brothers, Cedric, Luther, Cheyenne, and Rico; paternal grandmother, Leona; step-mother Latrina, God-Mom, Cynthia Bradford; a host of very close and special friends from the Riley community and Wenonah High School, as well as the Jokers Wrath MC Club; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and acquaintances.

Public visitation will be held Friday, October 25, 2024 from 1 until 6p.m. at Davenport & Harris Funeral Home -301 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Southwest, Birmingham, Alabama 35211. Homegoing Celebration will be Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 10:00a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, Dolomite - 1313 Simmons Street; Dolomite, Alabama 35061. Interment to follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Davenport & Harris Funeral Home directing.