Paul Payne, 76, of Dawsonville, died Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008 at his residence following a period of declining health.

Mr. Payne was a lifelong resident of Dawson County and for many years he owned and operated Payne's Service Station, Payne's Wrecker Service, Fuel Service and Paul Payne Used Cars.

He served as Chief Magistrate Judge for Dawson County for 39 years before retiring in 2005.

Mr. Payne was a 1950 graduate of Dawson County High School, was a member of First Baptist Church of Dawsonville and was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict.

His wife, Marie Looper Payne; parents, Arnold and Lucinda Payne and sister, Ruby Holley preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret Payne of Dawsonville; stepdaughters, Sandra Gilleland and Karen Chester, both of Dawsonville; sister, Betty Thompson of Gainesville; several step-grandchildren; a step-great-granddaughter; various other relatives also survive.

Funeral services were Friday, Aug. 29 at 2 p.m. at the Bearden Funeral Home Chapel with Revs. Glenn Byrd, Cory Gilleland and Roger Holley officiating.

Interment followed in the Mill Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville was in charge of the arrangements.