Elder Elwood C. Payne, in his 64th year, traveled that Highway called Holiness on Saturday morning, May 27, 2006 from Sapulpa, Oklahoma.

The tribute will be on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at 11:00 A.M. at Greater Grace Apostolic Temple, 1010 E. 56th Street North in Tulsa.

Elder E.C. (Woody) Payne was born in Pennsylvania on December 4, 1941 to the parents of Russell and Helen Payne whom are both deceased. Elder Payne has three living siblings, his sister Georgia Gerlock and brothers Bob and Buck Payne all residing in Pennsylvania. On June 14 1962 he married the love of his life Bessie Virginia Morris. They both raised 5 wonderful children whom are all married. Lester and wife Chris Morris, Tortia and husband Jim Fulton, Robin and husband A.D. Benjamin Jr., Rosanna and husband Robert Cawthon, Vanessa and husband Willie Turner III. Elder Payne was employed by the Brick Plant in Mount Union, PA. He was a licensed brick mason and construction worker by trade. In 1970 Elder Payne gave his life to the Lord and became a member of Mt. Hope Missionary Baptist church. Later he received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost at The Church of God in Prophecy in Pennsylvania. Following the leading of the Lord Elder Payne was called into the ministry. Elder Payne conducted home prayer meetings and bible studies in which he introduced Jesus to everyone he came in contact with. At times he had over 20 people in attendance at his home during these meetings. Elder Payne was one that loved people and he and his wife always found ways to minister to them, whether it was in kind words, giving or praying for them. In 1980 Elder Payne sold everything and moved him and his family to Tulsa OK to help and see his daughter graduate from Rhema Bible Training College.. At that time he became a faithful member of Grace Apostolic Temple under the pastorate of the late Dist. Elder W.H. Black. After attending Grace Apostolic Temple, Elder Payne was baptized in Jesus Name. He then became an ordained Elder of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. Later Elder Payne became a faithful member of Apostolic Faith Holiness Church where he assisted Pastor, Suff. Bishop Luke Church. Later he then assisted Elder Nelson McMillan at the same church. Up to the day of his departure Elder Payne and his wife was still doing the work of the Lord by delivering meals to the seniors of Sapulpa to ensure that they had something to eat everyday. His favorite past time was riding Harley Davidson motorcycles. One of his latest accomplishments was building a Harley Trike which he had the opportunity to ride before the Lord called him home. Elder Payne leaves behind his wife, 5 children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, a sister, 2 brothers and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He has left a legacy for all of us to remember. Elder Payne will truly be missed however we all know that he is now resting in the hands of the Lord.