VIRGINIA BEACH—Leron Stewart Payne Jr., died June 16, 2008, after a brave battle against cancer.

Mr. Payne was born in Norfolk on March 15, 1946, the son of the late Villie Parker Payne and the late Retired Commander Leron S. Payne, Sr.

He was also preceded in death by his favorite uncle, John M. Payne, brother-in-law, Charles M. Campbell, and his special lifelong friend, Larry Nicolas.

He

was a graduate of Princess Anne High School, received his B.S. degree from Old Dominion University, and his Masters degree at the College of William & Mary. Stewart taught AP Calculus and Math Analysis at Kellam High School for 32 years.

He adored his students and was well known for his “pranks” to get their attention. Stewart’s other love was fishing on his boat the “Pamela-Ann,” in the Chesapeake Bay.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Pamela Stadler Payne of the home; his daughters, Caroline Michelle Payne Steward (John Ayers) of Newsoms and Kathryn Stewart Payne Berry (Bryan) of Callahan, Fla.; his grandchildren, Joseph M. Steward, Brittany S. Taylor, Aaron T. Berry and Caroline M. Berry; beloved sister and best friend, Suzanne Payne Campbell of Moorpark, Calif.; and his closest fishing buddy, Willie B. Copeland of Windsor; many nieces, nephews, and good friends.

He will be dearly missed by his beloved dachshund Minnie who was Daddy’s special girl.

Thanks go out to Phyllis Futrell, who went above and beyond the call of duty in caring for our loved one. He was a wonderful man who will truly be missed by all those whose lives he touched.

The family will receive friends today

from 7 to 9 p.m. at Altmeyer Funeral Home 5792 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach.

A graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery on Thursday at 2

p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Brain Tumor Foundation: 22 Battery Street Suite 612 San Francisco, CA. 94111-5520 or the Humane Society: 123 Battlefield Blvd S # D Chesapeake, VA 23322.

Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.altmeyer.com