Marshall "Marty" Brandon Payne Jr.

Marshall "Marty" Brandon Payne Jr., 76, of Kannapolis, NC, passed away peacefully in his home with his family on March 26, 2025, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease.

A visitation will be held 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm Monday, April 7th at Wilkinson Funeral Home.

Born in Mecklenburg County on September 28, 1948, Marty spent his childhood with a love for sports, playing basketball, football, and golf. He graduated from A.L. Brown High School in 1966 before attending NC State University, where he earned a degree in Textile Technologies from the School of Textiles in 1970 and became the biggest Wolfpack fan anyone has ever met.

Marty dedicated much of his career to the textile industry, beginning at JP Stevens in Roanoke Rapids, NC, from 1970 to 1973. He then spent nearly three decades at Cannon Mills as a loom fixer and educator, sharing his knowledge and skills with those around him. Later in life, he and his wife, Perriann, owned and operated Salon DeVille for ten years.

In 2002, Marty married the love of his life, Perriann Fields Abernathy. He embraced his role as a devoted husband and stepfather to Alex Abernathy Storey and Sammie Abernathy. Alex and her husband, Eric Storey, reside in China Grove, NC, with their daughter, Charley. Sammie and her husband, Michael Helms, live in Concord, NC. He devoted Charley's entire life to trying to convert her to a Wolfpack fan, but never achieved this so he settled for a divided household.

Marty is also survived by his beloved sister, Prudence "Pru" Payne Snider, of Spencer, NC, and her children, David Snider and Brent Snider. He was preceded in death by his parents, Brandon Payne and Lorene Thomason of Kannapolis, NC.

Throughout his life, Marty was known for his hard work and deep sense of care for those around him. He spent much of his childhood on the farm of Clarence and Daisy Patterson in Rockwell, NC, later returning to care for them in their later years. He remained on the Old Concord Road property for many years, treasuring its memories and history.

A man of many talents, Marty was an avid runner, a familiar face at the YMCA, and a skilled woodworker. He enjoyed antiquing and was well-known for his business, "Old Man & a Truck." His favorite place to gather with friends and family was Stag N' Doe in China Grove, NC, where he first met his adored wife, Perriann.

Marty's loyal companion, Rosie, his miniature schnauzer, was always by his side.

Marty will be remembered for his kindness, strong work ethic, and deep love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, wisdom, and dedication to those he held dear.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Parkinson's research organization or a charity of choice.