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His faith was an important part of his life, and he enjoyed attending church services and gathering with his church family.

Maurice Hayes Payne, Sr., 95, of Knoxville, MD, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Viva Senior Living in Hagerstown, MD.

Maurice was born on July 3, 1931, in Jefferson, MD, to Maurice Raymond and Ethel Payne. Maurice worked for Frederick Electronics/Plantronics and SFA in Frederick, MD, as a machinist for over 50 years, working well into his 70s. Maurice married Betty Miller in 1951 in Baltimore, MD. They were married for 70 years before her passing in 2022.

Maurice was a member of the Brownsville Church of the Brethren. His faith was an important part of his life, and he enjoyed attending church services and gathering with his church family.

Above all, Maurice cherished his family. He was a devoted husband and father, and his four children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren were among the greatest joys of his life. He and his beloved Betty shared a lifetime together, side by side through the joys and challenges that life brought their way. Together, they weathered many storms, including the heartbreaking loss of two loved and loving sons. The loss of Betty, his life companion and the woman with whom he shared so much of his life, left an especially deep hole in his heart.

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Above all, Maurice cherished his family. He was a devoted husband and father, and his four children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren were among the greatest joys of his life.

Maurice loved the simple pleasures in life. He enjoyed traveling, with special memories of Ocean City, MD, and the mountains of West Virginia. He loved gardening, mushroom hunting, and sitting on her porch watching the wildlife. Most of all, he enjoyed people. He treasured time with family and friends and was always ready to lend a helping hand.

Maurice was a hardworking man who was gifted with his hands. He could transform a piece of metal into something both beautiful and useful, and over the years created amazing works of art that reflected his skill and creativity. He was a wonderful and lively storyteller. People naturally gathered around him to hear his stories and colorful tales.

Pleasant Valley was home to Maurice, and he was a familiar and well-loved presence throughout the community. In earlier years, he earned the nickname “Road Runner” because he loved driving around the Valley, stopping along the way at Himes Store to visit with his many neighbors and friends.

Maurice was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty; his parents, Maurice and Ethel Payne; his children, Maurice Payne, Jr. and Daniel Ray Payne; and his siblings Marshall Payne, Melvin Payne, Milton Payne, and Cliff Payne.

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He was a wonderful and lively storyteller. People naturally gathered around him to hear his stories and colorful tales.

Maurice is survived by his son, Jeffrey Payne (Krista) of Boonsboro, MD; daughter, Carol Held (Brian) of Jefferson, MD; grandchildren, Laura Cornwell of Fredericksburg, VA, Haley Payne of Sharpsburg, MD, Kayla Payne-Conerly of Shepherdstown, WV, Karly Leizear of Shepherdstown, WV, Andrew Held of Kodiak, AK, Louis Held of Tallulah, LA, and Clara Held of Jefferson, MD; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Betty Bohrer, Richard Payne, Garry Payne, and Jimmy Payne; and numerous other relatives. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him, including his special nephew and niece, Gene and Carolyn Potter.

Private graveside burial services will be held at Brownsville Heights Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Brownsville Church of the Brethren. Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.