Phillip Payne, 89, of Hopkinsville, Passes Away

Longtime church leader and community member remembered for his service and hobbies.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:50pm

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Phillip Eugene Payne, a longtime resident of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, passed away at the age of 89 on March 5, 2026. Payne was a member of the Princeton Street Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and Church treasurer, and was also involved in various community organizations such as the Ministers and Deacons Laymen League, State Laymen's League, and the NAACP. He was a U.S. Army veteran and worked as a weekend duty officer for the Earl C. Clemons Job Corps Center. Payne was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, and two children, and is survived by three children, siblings, grandchildren, and other close relatives and friends.

Why it matters

Phillip Payne's passing marks the end of an era for the Princeton Street Baptist Church and the broader Hopkinsville community, where he was a respected and active member for decades. His involvement in various community organizations and his dedication to serving others highlight the importance of civic engagement and community leadership.

The details

Payne was born in Crofton, Kentucky, on March 23, 1936, to Wylie and Charlie Robinson Payne. He was a member of the Princeton Street Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a Deacon and Church treasurer until his health began to fail. Payne was also a member of the Ministers and Deacons Laymen League, State Laymen's League, District Laymen, past Master of the Howe Finley #160, Shriners, NAACP, and a former member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and basketball games.

  • Phillip Payne passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
  • Payne was born on March 23, 1936, in Crofton, Kentucky.

The players

Phillip Eugene Payne

An 89-year-old resident of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, who was a longtime member and leader of the Princeton Street Baptist Church, as well as an active participant in various community organizations.

Dorothy Payne

Phillip Payne's late wife, who passed away before him.

LaQuetta Payne

One of Phillip Payne's children who passed away before him.

Robert Payne

Another one of Phillip Payne's children who passed away before him.

Alma Lewis Smith

Phillip Payne's sibling who passed away before him.

Albert Lynn Shaw

Another sibling of Phillip Payne who passed away before him.

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What they’re saying

“Phillip was a respected and active member of the Princeton Street Baptist Church and the broader Hopkinsville community for decades. His dedication to serving others and his involvement in various community organizations will be deeply missed.”

— Gary Payne, Son of Phillip Payne

What’s next

Funeral services for Phillip Payne will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Hopkinsville. Burial will follow in the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West.

The takeaway

Phillip Payne's life and legacy serve as a testament to the importance of community involvement, civic engagement, and dedication to serving others. His passing marks the end of an era for the Princeton Street Baptist Church and the Hopkinsville community, and his contributions will be long remembered.