Obituary of Tommy Everett Payne

Tommy Everett Payne, born May 16, 1942 in Maryville, TN passed away July 23, 2012. Tom's parents were the late Everett and Hallie Payne of Knoxville, TN. Tom grew up in south Knoxville's Mount Olive area, was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Young High School in 1960. He was President of his high school senior class, captain of the football team and voted Mr. Young High School. Tom's leadership abilities were recognized and he was awarded a Congressional appointment to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland where he graduated in Electrical Engineering and received his commission as Ensign in 1966. After the Naval Academy, Tom graduated from flight school in Pensacola, Florida and completed two western Pacific deployment tours as a Search and Rescue helicopter pilot. He was awarded two Air Medals and the Vietnam Air Gallantry Medal for combat support rescues of downed pilots and wounded soldiers under enemy fire. Tom left Navy active duty in 1974 to join IBM Federal Systems in Owego, NY continuing his development and test work for the LAMPS anti-ship, anti-submarine surveillance and targeting helicopter program. He had been the Program Officer and Chief Test Pilot for that program. Tom continued his military service in the United States Naval Reserve in the intelligence field serving as Administrative Office, Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of the Naval Intelligence Command Security group 0166. Tom retired as a Navy Captain in 1999. Tom completed his MBA at State University of New York, Binghamton, and continued his civilian career at IBM on classified programs at Rosslyn, VA, then at Lockheed Martin in Gaithersburg, MD becoming the Director of Engineering on major FAA upgrade programs. Tom retired from Lockheed in 2004 subsequently taking positions of Vice President at DISC, then VP Integration Technology and Automation Programs at UFA, then as Senior Director FAA SOS-7 Programs at ASRC in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Some of Tom's most rewarding activities came when he worked with several classmates implementing and leading the Veterans Individual Training Assistance Link (VITAL TM) at Bethesda Naval Hospital to help Wounded, Severely Ill and Injured Marines, Sailors and other service members prepare for transition to civilian life. Tom's East Tennessee heritage created a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Hunting and fishing were important parts of his life and some of his closest friendships grew from those who shared this love. SURVIVORS He is survived by his wife, Donna (nee Bowers) Payne of Media, PA. Daughters: Lisa Yates of Bell Buckle, TN and Kristi Miracle of Powell, TN Sons: Jeff Payne of Browns Summit, NC and Kevin Payne of Aurora, CO Tom's Grandchildren: Josh, Jeremy and Emily Yates, Tyler Wood, Forrester, Anna, Bradley and Brody Payne and Spencer Miracle. Step-children: Eric Knapp and Kelly Logan Sisters & Brothers: Susie Payne of Knoxville, TN, Pete Kerr of Knoxville, TN, Mike Payne of Seymour, TN and John Payne of Rockwall, TX Memorial Contributions Tom requested that any donations in his name be made to the Navy Seal Foundation (www.navysealfoundation.org), or the USNA 50th Reunion Class Project. Information can be found at www.USNA.com.