The Clarke County School District is mourning the loss of former long-time Board of Education member Vernon Payne, who passed away Sunday, Jan. 7.

A public viewing for Mr. Payne will be held on Friday, Jan. 12, from 1-6 p.m. at Jackson-McWhorter Funeral Home, 1253 West Broad St., Athens.

Mr. Payne, who served on the board from 1979-2018, was a loyal public servant who was committed to improving the education and lives of Clarke County children. CCSD thanks him for his tireless and endless devotion to his community. In April 2022, the board’s meeting space at the District Office was dedicated in his name during a ceremony where his family was present for the unveiling of his portrait, which is now displayed at the entrance to the Vernon Payne Meeting Hall. You can click here to watch video of that ceremony.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, at East Lawn Cemetery, 825 Winterville Rd., Athens.