C
Catoe
Guest
It is with deep sadness that Gaffney Broadcasting announces the
passing of longtime air personality and sales manager Ernie
Payne. Mr. Payne died at the age of 65 at his Gaffney residence
Thursday morning according to company general manager Dennis Fowler.
Payne joined the staff of then WAGI-FM and WEAC-AM in 1990 as an
account executive and announcer. During that time he served a stint
as co-host of the popular Carolina In The Morning Show working with
the late Raymond Parker and Ron Owenby and also with Knox Blanton. In
addition Mr. Payne worked night and weekend on air shifts at the
station. He continued in the same capacities with Gaffney
Broadcasting more recently with the new WZZQ-FM/AM that signed on
last August. A graduate of Western Carolina University, he worked at
several radio stations in North Carolina during his career before
landing in Gaffney. Fowler said, "Our hearts are heavy as we say
goodbye not only to a collogue but a true friend and member of our
corporate family. Ernie was always there to do whatever was asked of
him night, day weekend or weekday. We will miss him greatly." Mr.
Payne is survived by 2 sons, Timothy Payne and Tracy Payne along with
several grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the
Harris Funeral Home in Kings Mountain, North Carolina.
passing of longtime air personality and sales manager Ernie
Payne. Mr. Payne died at the age of 65 at his Gaffney residence
Thursday morning according to company general manager Dennis Fowler.
Payne joined the staff of then WAGI-FM and WEAC-AM in 1990 as an
account executive and announcer. During that time he served a stint
as co-host of the popular Carolina In The Morning Show working with
the late Raymond Parker and Ron Owenby and also with Knox Blanton. In
addition Mr. Payne worked night and weekend on air shifts at the
station. He continued in the same capacities with Gaffney
Broadcasting more recently with the new WZZQ-FM/AM that signed on
last August. A graduate of Western Carolina University, he worked at
several radio stations in North Carolina during his career before
landing in Gaffney. Fowler said, "Our hearts are heavy as we say
goodbye not only to a collogue but a true friend and member of our
corporate family. Ernie was always there to do whatever was asked of
him night, day weekend or weekday. We will miss him greatly." Mr.
Payne is survived by 2 sons, Timothy Payne and Tracy Payne along with
several grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the
Harris Funeral Home in Kings Mountain, North Carolina.