Vic Payne, Respected Union Leader and Community Advocate, Dies at 79
Vic Payne, Respected Union Leader and Community Advocate, Dies at 79
Victor Claude Payne, a revered union leader and cherished community figure, passed away on September 20, 2024, following a long-term illness. He was 79.
Born on January 17, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Payne dedicated his life to service—both professionally and personally.
A graduate of Central High School’s class of 1963, he pursued higher education at Western Michigan University and Macomb County College. His career began at Wayne County Hospital in Eloise, Michigan, where he met his future wife, Lois Barnes Willis. They married on July 30, 1966, and shared 58 years together, raising two daughters, Natalie and Eugenia.
In 1966, he began working at United Airlines, a job he held for 42 years.
His commitment to workers’ rights led him to become deeply involved in union activism. He served as a Union Representative, quickly becoming a vital member of Local 141. His guidance and leadership led to a position on the Local 141 Grievance Committee. A skilled and determined defender of his coworkers, Vic became an Assistant General Chair and then Secretary-Treasurer of District 141 of the Machinists Union.
Payne was instrumental in advocating for fair labor practices and improving working conditions for countless employees.
Beyond his union activism, he also served as the president of the Rosenwald High School National Organization, reflecting his dedication to education and community engagement.
An avid basketball enthusiast, music lover, and devoted “Star Trek” fan, Payne was a man of diverse interests who touched the lives of many. Since 1980, he has been an active member of Westland St. James United Methodist Church, holding roles such as Treasurer, President of the United Methodist Men, Trustee, and beloved member of the Men’s Chorus.
Respect for Vic Payne runs deep. After his passing, many of the people whose lives he has touched have come forward to share stories about him. He was considered to be a mentor, an advocate, and a friend to hundreds.
Mike Klemm, District 141 President and Directing General Chair, expressed admiration for Vic, saying that he was an inspiring figure within the union. “Vic was a man that any union member could learn a lot from. Anyone who knew him, knew him as a mentor, a guide, and a trusted friend.”
Affectionately known as “Big Daddy” by his grandchildren and “My Man” by his great-granddaughters, Payne leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and service. He is survived by his devoted wife, Lois; daughters Natalie Rice and Eugenia Payne; grandchildren Eugenie Lewis Howse (Starla) and Kelli Renee (Peter) Lacza; and great-grandchildren Aliciana Niccole Howse, Ariana Jalen Howse, and Emery Howse Lacza. He is also mourned by his brother Karl (Naomi) Payne; brother-in-law Harold (Louise) Barnes; sisters-in-law Lela (Samuel) Norris and Cherryl Barnes; godchildren Carlotta Mitchell, Norma Harrington, and Jordan Howse; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
He will now be reunited with his mother and father, Ruth and Alfred Payne.
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Vic Payne, Respected Union Leader and Community Advocate, Dies at 79
26 September 2024
Victor Claude Payne, a revered union leader and cherished community figure, passed away on September 20, 2024, following a long-term illness. He was 79.
Born on January 17, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Payne dedicated his life to service—both professionally and personally.
A graduate of Central High School’s class of 1963, he pursued higher education at Western Michigan University and Macomb County College. His career began at Wayne County Hospital in Eloise, Michigan, where he met his future wife, Lois Barnes Willis. They married on July 30, 1966, and shared 58 years together, raising two daughters, Natalie and Eugenia.
In 1966, he began working at United Airlines, a job he held for 42 years.
His commitment to workers’ rights led him to become deeply involved in union activism. He served as a Union Representative, quickly becoming a vital member of Local 141. His guidance and leadership led to a position on the Local 141 Grievance Committee. A skilled and determined defender of his coworkers, Vic became an Assistant General Chair and then Secretary-Treasurer of District 141 of the Machinists Union.
Payne was instrumental in advocating for fair labor practices and improving working conditions for countless employees.
Beyond his union activism, he also served as the president of the Rosenwald High School National Organization, reflecting his dedication to education and community engagement.
An avid basketball enthusiast, music lover, and devoted “Star Trek” fan, Payne was a man of diverse interests who touched the lives of many. Since 1980, he has been an active member of Westland St. James United Methodist Church, holding roles such as Treasurer, President of the United Methodist Men, Trustee, and beloved member of the Men’s Chorus.
Respect for Vic Payne runs deep. After his passing, many of the people whose lives he has touched have come forward to share stories about him. He was considered to be a mentor, an advocate, and a friend to hundreds.
Mike Klemm, District 141 President and Directing General Chair, expressed admiration for Vic, saying that he was an inspiring figure within the union. “Vic was a man that any union member could learn a lot from. Anyone who knew him, knew him as a mentor, a guide, and a trusted friend.”
Affectionately known as “Big Daddy” by his grandchildren and “My Man” by his great-granddaughters, Payne leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and service. He is survived by his devoted wife, Lois; daughters Natalie Rice and Eugenia Payne; grandchildren Eugenie Lewis Howse (Starla) and Kelli Renee (Peter) Lacza; and great-grandchildren Aliciana Niccole Howse, Ariana Jalen Howse, and Emery Howse Lacza. He is also mourned by his brother Karl (Naomi) Payne; brother-in-law Harold (Louise) Barnes; sisters-in-law Lela (Samuel) Norris and Cherryl Barnes; godchildren Carlotta Mitchell, Norma Harrington, and Jordan Howse; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
He will now be reunited with his mother and father, Ruth and Alfred Payne.
Related
141 Report: For Employees Who Need Help, the EAP is Ready
141 Report: For Employees Needing Help, the EAP is Ready YouTube25 February 2022 This week the 141 Report focuses on what happens when a member discovers they need help from the Employee Assistance Program. IAM 141 EAP Director Bryan Hutchinson walks the viewers...
IAM Negotiators, United Meet at IAM141 District Headquarters
18 February 2022IAM Negotiators, United Meet at IAM141 District HeadquartersThe IAM District 141 negotiating committee and representatives from United Airlines met this week in Chicago, IL, and engaged in another round of meaningful talks under the expedited...
141 Report: Inspiration from Black History
141 Report: Inspiration From Black History YouTube18 February 2022This week on the 141 Report, we have two Machinist Union Brothers, Justin Wadlington from Philadelphia, PA, and Mike Knoble from Charlotte, NC, to discuss the importance of understanding Black History....