Payne Humphrey Midyette, Jr. passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family and faithful cow dog, Buddy. Payne will be forever remembered for his unassailable integrity and his love of God, family and country. He was often described as a quintessential southern gentleman.
Payne was born in Tallahassee, Fla. on Aug.13, 1927 to Payne Humphrey Midyette, Sr. and Charlotte Hodges Midyette at Johnson Hospital. His sister, Alma Jane “Janie,” was born on April 23, 1932.
Payne grew up in Tallahassee where he met his wife Jean Jarrett. They were married on June 30, 1951 and were together for 54 years. Payne, Jean, their three children and six grandchildren enjoyed spending time at their house on the Ochlocknee Bay and at the family ranch in Madison County. Payne loved the outdoors and could be found hunting, fishing, boating, riding horses or working cows. He was passionate about and involved in the cattle business most of his life. He served on the board of the United Braford Breeders and Florida Cattleman’s Association in both Leon and Madison Counties; he also was a longtime board member for the North Florida Fair. Payne’s love of horses and riding led him to join the Florida Cracker Horse Association where he was an active participant on many trail rides. One of his greatest joys was having his daughters, Mary Hill and Aren; and granddaughters, Rebecca and Catherine share his love of horses and riding when they accompanied him on trail rides. In 2006, he won the award for the oldest rider and continued to ride his horses until he was 87.
After graduating from Leon High School Payne volunteered for and served in the Navy Seabees during World War II. When he returned from the war, Payne enrolled in the University of Florida and earned a degree in Agricultural Economics. He joined his father’s business, Midyette-Moor Insurance Agency, in 1956. After being elected President in the early 1970s Payne ran the agency until he retired in 1992. He served his community and the insurance industry throughout his career. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Committee of 100, Jaycees, Rotary and Exchange. He also served for many years on the boards of the Capital City Bank Group and the Florida Association of Insurance Agents.
Payne maintained a lifelong commitment to the Boy Scouts of America beginning as a youth, continuing as an adult volunteer and culminating as a board member and President of the Suwannee River Area Council. He was an Eagle Scout. His son, Payne, and grandsons, Payne, Scott and Reade are also Eagle Scouts.
While Payne was building a successful business and serving his community, he continued to keep a small herd of cattle. Once retired he was able to turn his full attention to his lifelong passion of raising quality cattle at Running M Ranch in Madison. He was always fascinated with genetics and breeding. Running M Ranch has earned a stellar reputation from Florida to Texas for producing quality beef cattle with both his Registered Braford Herd and Commercial Herd. He could not have done it without the help of his longtime manager, Kit Storey, and his grandson, Will Moncrief.
Payne was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Alma Jane Whitehead; and his wife, Jean Jarrett Midyette.
The family wishes to express our profound gratitude for the loving and professional care provided by Dr. Sandeep Rahangdale and his staff, Right at Home, Big Bend Hospice and helper and friend, Paul Renaud. These people are simply incredible!
He is survived by his three children: Payne H. Midyette, III (Marilyn), Mary Hill Bishopric (Mark) and Aren Moncrief (Ward); six grandchildren: Payne H Midyette, IV (Erin), Rebecca Bishopric Patterson (Brett), Will Moncrief (Celina), Welsford Scott Bishopric, Catherine Moncrief and Reade Midyette; one great-grandchild, Finn Bishopric Patterson; and seven nieces and nephews: Carl Whitehead, Cissy Whitehead Belson (Bob), Suzanne Whitehead Phillips (Randy), Lance Whitehead (Sheila), Kevin Hunter Orr (Penny), Jeffrey Hill Orr and Jonathon Orr (Cara).
A celebration of Payne’s remarkable life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 7 at St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral, 4784 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, Fla. 32309, followed by a private family graveside service at Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 7 preceding the celebration of his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations honoring Payne’s life may be made to St. Peters Anglican Cathedral (www.StPetersFL.com), Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Boulevard, Tallahassee, Fla. 32308 (www.bigbendhospice.org), or the charity of your choice.