Mr. Frank Robert Payne, age 69, of Copperhill, TN passed away on Friday, March 23, 2012 at his home. He was born in Polk County, TN on February 28, 1943 and was the son of the late Bud and Gladys Galloway Payne. Mr. Payne served his country in the United States Marines as a Combat Veteran during Vietnam from 1962 until 1966. After his tour in the military, he worked as a Law Enforcement Officer in Georgia and Tennessee. He was the Polk County Sheriff from 1982 until 1990 and also Chief of Police in Copperhill, Tennessee. After completing his police work, he served as Chairman of the Polk County Election Commission. He served as the Worshipful Master of the Copperhill Masonic Lodge #656 F&AM. Mr. Payne was foreman for the Mine Department at Tennessee Copper Company. He was a member of Mt. Zion (Tumbling Creek) Baptist Church.

Survivors include son, Robby Payne of Cleveland, TN; daughters, Kimberley and husband, Joe Gobble of Cleveland, TN and Mandy Payne of Chattanooga, TN; brother, John Howard Payne of Blue Ridge, GA; grandchildren: Zack Payne, Jeremiah Payne, Josolyn Gibson and Andy Gibson; great-grandchildren, Simon Gibson and Macy Gibson also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday, March 25, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins of Copperhill Chapel with Rev. Lloyd Deal officiating. Masonic rites will be provided by the Copperhill Masonic Lodge #656 F&AM. Pallbearers will be: Zack Payne, Jeremiah Payne, Andy Gibson, Eric Payne, Anthony Payne and Cody Long. Honorary pallbearers will be all Law Enforcement Officers of surrounding areas. Interment will follow in the Mt. View Cemetery with full military honors by the North Georgia Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Condolences may sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill is in charge of the arrangements.