Freddie Lee Payne, age 72, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Tuesday morning, May 20, 2025, at the home of his daughter.

      He was born November 23, 1952, in Effingham, the son of Maurice Oren and Erma Arlene (Stipp) Payne.  He was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Roeder on April 21, 1975, at Oak Mound Christian Church, and they have been married for 50 years.

      Freddie had owned and operated a wrecker service and worked on the family sawmill but most of his working life was spent in the oil fields where he was known as “4 finger Freddie.”  A mechanic by trade, he was talented at working on and rebuilding lawn mowers and lawn equipment, as well as cars.  He took pride in teaching and passing these skills on to his children and grandchildren.  Freddie enjoyed dirt track racing, spending time on the lake fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren.  He enjoyed video gaming, and was always holding on to the hope that he would someday win “Big Money.”

      He is survived by his wife: Mary Payne of Louisville; children: Tiffiney Miller of Louisville, Freddie Lee Payne of Louisville, Melinda R. Payne of Flora, and Matthew E. Payne of Noble; grandchildren: Trinity Payne of Farina, Malakai Payne of Flora, Justice McCollum of Tuscola, Tyler Payne Hill of Flora, Kasen Pickens of Flora, Kinsley Payne of Flora, Illiana Payne of Flora, Braxton Lee Miller, and Ledger Payne; siblings: Terry (Ed) Lacey of Kinmundy, Marilyn Perry of Mansfield, Ohio, Ramona Allison of Lexington, Tennessee, and Angela Payne of Louisville; 2 brothers-in-law: Bob Yingst of Farina and William “Bill” (Nancy) Roeder of Wisconsin; sisters-in-law: Sybil Payne of Wichita, Kansas, and Debbie Sparkman of Indiana; and several other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

      He was preceded in passing by his father: Maurice Oren Payne; his mother: Erma Arlene Hurford; 2 brothers: Donnie Payne and Glen Payne; and 2 sisters: Audrey Yingst and Alice Gutierrez.

      A memorial visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home.  Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with final expenses, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  Please make checks payable to Frank & Bright Funeral Home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com