Henry A. Payne

Henry Arnold Payne, 84, of Sykesville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026. He was born on April 8, 1941, in Washington, DC.

Henry was a proud graduate of Mount Saint Joseph High School, Class of 1959, where he was a multi-sport athlete. He would be the first to admit he was a mediocre basketball player, a strong baseball player, but that his true gifts were found on the football field, where his toughness and grit shone brightest.

Rather than pursue a college football career, Henry chose to enlist in the United States Air Force, serving honorably for four years from 1959 to 1963. Stationed at Hunter Air Force Base in Savannah, Georgia, he continued his love of the game through a brief semi-professional football career after his discharge, proudly holding his own on the offensive line.

Following his military service, Henry honored his family’s long lineage in the railroad industry, building a distinguished career with Conrail. He ultimately retired as a Trainmaster overseeing Baltimore operations; a role that perfectly suited his leadership style, strong opinions, and no-nonsense approach.

In his later years, Henry discovered a deep passion for golf. He spent countless days at Bear Creek Golf Club, playing, organizing, and working within the senior circuit. He became well known for his sharp wit, legendary storytelling, and highly questionable scorekeeping; always delivered with a grin.

When his body no longer allowed him to keep pace with “the old fellas,” Henry happily traded the fairways for the sidelines of soccer fields. There, he could be found cheering on his beloved grandchildren, Jackson and Cole, as they chased their dreams on the pitch and texting their coach (his son, Tim) with detailed recommendations on how best to handle the worst referees in town.

Henry was deeply proud of his family and deeply committed to community. He held daily court as the unofficial “Mayor of the Eldersburg McDonald’s,” where lively debates about politics, sports, and the future of the community were conducted with passion, humor, and a surprising level of expertise. If you really wanted to spark a spirited argument, simply mention his unwavering love for University of Alabama football or, better yet, his complete disregard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Henry is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Judith Payne, who will carry on his passion for family and community. He is also survived by his son Tim Payne and daughter-in-law and favorite Irish supporting rival, Becky Payne of Columbia, Maryland, and his cherished grandchildren, Jackson (18) and Cole (16).

Services will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 1-2 PM with funeral service starting at 2 PM at Burrier-Queen Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A. 1212 Wets Old Liberty Road Sykesville, MD 21784 (beside South Carroll High School). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts in Henry’s honor be made to the Sykesville Freedom District Fire Department; PO BOX 275 Sykesville, Maryland 21784.

The family asks that Henry be remembered for his sharp sense of humor, his fierce love for his family, his devotion to community, and his unmatched ability to assign the perfect nickname to those he cared about most. Roll Tide, Fly High, and Rest Easy.

Arrangements made by: Burrier-Queen Funeral Home & Crematory, PA., online condolences to www.burrier-queen.com