Robert "Bob" Carver Payne

Robert "Bob" Carver Payne, 86, of Hilton Head, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025. 

Bob was born on December 7, 1938, in Charleston, West Virginia to Henry and Priscilla Payne. Bob attended grade school and junior high school in Charleston, then attended Woodberry Forest School and Yale University, graduating with an electrical engineering degree. 

Bob worked hard to start his first business, Business Computer Service in Charleston. BCS provided accounting and payroll services for many years, using both first-generation and newer computers. For years, Bob and his brother Henry talked about their vision for a vibrant West Virginia economy. This desire led them to start the West Virginia business newspaper, The State Journal, which remains in existence today. 

Bob was always thinking about or working on an innovative or new idea. He had an inquisitive mind and natural curiosity. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved his time with family and his life-long friends. Bob was a good athlete and enjoyed tennis, pickleball, golf and squash. He was always quick to offer a tip or lesson for anyone, young and old, who wanted to learn more about the game. His athletic endeavors often concluded with a game of backgammon and an Old Fashioned cocktail. 

Bob married Helen Harris in 2003 and moved to Hilton Head, SC. They spent years traveling, playing sports, and gathering with their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Bob was preceded in death, by his parents, Henry and Priscilla Payne, brothers John and Henry and step granddaughter, Finley. 

He is survived by his wife, Helen, his children Lizbeth Robey (Steve and children Andrew (Jessie) and Tyler (Rachael), Rob Payne (Rebecca and children Carver and Elizabeth), Kristen Walrond (Bill and children Victoria, Abigail and Lucy); step-children Lynn Broaddus (Marc and children Evan (Katie) and Girard), Ike Broaddus (Julie and children Coleman and Callie) and Sally Proctor (Addison and children Alice and Henry); brothers Stephen (Betty Lee) and Christopher Randall; great grandchildren Graham and Brooks. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Bob's memory to:

First Tee of the Lowcountry 151 Gum Tree Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 299026

www.firstteelowcountry.org