Cory Payne was honored as Powell’s Businessperson of the Year for 2017. Payne, a sales rep for Vulcan Materials, was recognized for his volunteer work through the Powell Lions Club.
He follows his great grandfather, Allan Gill, as a member of both the Business & Professional Association and the Lions Club. This year he led efforts to establish a 5K Run for Sight in June, summer outdoor movie nights and a fall festival. These initiatives are on top of the Powell Lions Club’s sponsorship of the 4th of July and Christmas parades.
This year, Cory got members of the Powell High baseball team to serve as judges for “best float” in the parade. One was his brother, Courtney Payne, a junior who plays shortstop, joined by seniors Parker Stinnett (3B) and Josh Dobbs (OF). It looks like Cory is building some on-ramps for future Lions.
Justin Bailey introduced Cory, his nephew, by pointing out Allan Gill was the Powell Businessperson of the Year in 1985. “He would be very proud of Cory tonight.”
Cory Payne is married to Alex Payne and they have two children. This year they revived another tradition of the late Allan and Hilda Gill. Cory posted on Facebook:
Cory and Alex Payne’s yard art as posted to Facebook.
“For as long as I can remember, my great grandparents would paint a hay bale in their front yard and decorate it to match whatever season we were in for everyone traveling Emory Road to enjoy.
“Alex and myself decided it was time for the hay bale to make its comeback! Unfortunately, Bell Campground Road is not Emory Road, but then again, I’m no Allan Gill, either. So, both will have to do for now.”
Cory’s family was there to support him: wife Alex; parents Lee and Kristian Payne; grandparents Larry and Laura Bailey; brothers Clay, Cameron and Courtney; and uncle Justin Bailey.
Larry Bailey, Laura Bailey, Alex Payne, Cory Payne, Kristian Payne, Kristin Bailey, Justin Bailey; (back) Clay Payne, Cameron Payne, Lee Payne and Courtney Payne.
