Carson G. Payne, 93, of Charlottesville, Va. passed away on February 17, 2024, after a short illness. He was born on September 24, 1930, to the late Betty Lee Davis Payne and Morris Bidwell (Bid) Payne. In addition to his parents, Carson was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Frances Payne, who passed in 2013, and by their sons Russell S. and Neal E. Payne.

He is survived by his daughter Karen Payne Carlin (John) and his son Mark Carson Payne (Ruth) as well as his six grandchildren.

Carson was a star athlete in high school and, after graduation, signed a Minor League Baseball contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers. During the Korean War, he proudly served his country in the United States Marines at Marine Corps Base Quantico. After his service, Carson attended Randolph Macon College where he starred on the baseball team and still holds batting records at the school. He went on to study Pharmacy at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. Upon graduation, Carson and Mary Frances, along with their first three children, moved to Charlottesville where he worked at Standard Drug (downtown) and later CVS as a Pharmacist, serving our community for almost 50 years.

When not at work, Carson pursued his passion for athletics by coaching the youth of Charlottesville. He was a long time Lane League baseball coach and was well known for his competitive teams and for positively shaping the lives of many young boys. An avid supporter of UVA sports, he was a regular fixture at football, basketball and especially baseball games. Carson was also an active member at Broadus Memorial Baptist Church, now Pantops Community Church.

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit Hill and Wood Funeral Services.