Delton H. Payne, Jr.

Delton Howard Payne, Jr. went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 24, 2025 at the age of 97 years. He was born May 8, 1928 to Delton Howard Payne, Sr. and Anne Uree Payne in Nashville, TN.

Delton, or "Dad" as he was lovingly called, graduated from Pearl Cohn High School, where he was a proud male cheerleader — a fitting role for someone known for his sunny disposition and unwavering optimism. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and University of Michigan, launching a distinguished 44-year career with Ford Motor Company.

Delton began his journey with Ford Motor in 1952 as an engineer at the Ford Kansas City assembly plant focused on military production. It was there he met and married Barbara Lou Cissna. Delton transferred to the Ford Nashville Glass plant where he facilitated the design of the glass plant opening in 1956. His dedication to Ford led to a transfer to the company’s World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan and later to Bloomfield Hills where his daily commute was to the downtown Ford Renaissance Center as part of the glass division. Eventually, he returned home to Nashville to manage Ford Glass Plant where he oversaw thousands of employees with strong leadership and integrity. His work was instrumental in several landmark projects, including supplying glass for iconic Nashville buildings such as the Gaylord Opryland Hotel Atrium among others. Delton had a heart for serving others and particularly enjoyed representing Ford through their involvement with United Way.

He grew up in Sylvan Park and developed a passion for golf at an early age while playing and caddying at McCabe Golf Course. His move to Michigan allowed him the opportunity to enjoy the game at Bloomfield Hills Country Club and upon returning to Nashville he continued his passion at Richland County Club and Temple Hills Country Club, but always favoring his first course, McCabe Golf Course. He was an avid golfer and spent many enjoyable hours on the course with family and friends. His love for the game was unmatched. He forged lifelong friendships on every course he played and was affectionately known by his golf buddies as "Hook." He always loved a good joke, making others laugh and was always ready to lend a helping hand.

Delton was formerly married to Barbara Lou Cissna and together they raised a family of three children. He is survived by Barbara and their three children, Delton Howard Payne, III (Karen), Cindy Casha (Mike), Harrison Payne (Denise), 5 grandchildren (Brandon Thomas, Jordan Payne, Sara Sweet, Emerson Payne and Grayson Payne) and 3 great-grandchildren: Oliver Thomas, Ayden Sweet, and Jack Thomas).

He attended Belle Meade Methodist Church and will be remembered for his deep faith, enduring loyalty, warm sense of humor, and the love he poured into his family and friendships. He worked hard and often said "quality knows no quitting time." He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, diligence and joy.

The family will be holding a private celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Delton’s honor may be made to United Way .