Thomas E. Payne “Tom the tomato man”

Thomas E. Payne, 86, of 7722 Rte. 417W., Bolivar, NY passed away Monday, April 15, 2024 at Wellsville Manor after a short illness. 

Born on August 11, 1937, in Wellsville, he was a son of Vaughn A. and Frances (Bryan) Payne.  On September 12, 1958, in Richmond, VA he married the former Charlotte Crandall who survives.

Tom went to school in Pensacola Florida.  He had worked at Reid Hayden in Richmond, VA, Smith Construction in Pensacola, FL, Pratt & Whitney Air Craft in Hartford CT, St. Francis Hospital in Olean, Martin Dry Cleaners in Attica, and last was a counselor for the New York State Department of Corrections retiring in 1999.

He was best known for selling his veggies, fruits and flowers in Cuba, Allegany, Portville, and Bolivar from his roadside stand.

In addition to his wife Charlotte of Bolivar, he is survived by

4 Children                    William Payne             Bolivar

                                    Patricia (Dave) Darrin Auburn

                                    Diana (Dan Cowell) Smith       Bolivar

                                    Steven (Jessica) Payne             Auburn

5 Grandchildren          Charace (Nick), Jeremy, Joshua, Brad (Lynsey), Angela (Ken)

Great Grandchildren   Hannah, Hazel, Harper, Kenny, Spencer, and Lilly

One Sister                   Nancy Mattox Dallas, Texas

Several Nieces and Nephews

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by 2 Sisters Carol and Barbara, and two brothers David and Vaughn Jr., who passed in infancy.

A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 at the Richburg Firemen’s Clubhouse, Griffin Street, Richburg, New York 14774 beginning at 3:00 P.M.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Bolivar.