https://my.gather.app/remember/earl-fontaine-payne

Earl Fontaine Payne , known affectionately to his friends as "EP" "Broham" or Tonto, passed away on March 31, 2025 at his home that he shared with his beloved mother, Mrs. Thelma Deloris Payne-Carey.

Born on October 27, 1951 in Charlottesville, VA, Earl was the cherished son of Thelma Deloris Payne Carey (still living) and the late John "Pete" Randolph Johnson. He was a proud brother to the late Brenda Payne, his sister Sandra Payne, and his cousin-brother Lloyd Payne—a bond that exemplified love and loyalty. He lived a full and rewarding life, touching the hearts of many through his unmatched craftsmanship, love for art, painting, the outdoors, and a spirit that never failed to uplift.

As someone once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others," and Earl Fontaine embodied this in every aspect of his life.

Earl was a graduate of Lane High School, Class of 1971, and further pursued his passion for creativity by completing a program at the University of Virginia in the World of Arts.

Earl was a Master Artisan by trade, employing his skilled hands to shape the world around him. His work was not just a means of livelihood, it was his passion and his art. Homes across Charlottesville and even his previous residence in Atlanta, GA - bear the mark of his talent. His impact was not limited to his profession - his God-Given Gift of creativity emerged at a young age. From handcrafting his own toys as a child to constructing homes as a professional, he embodied the spirit of a self-taught genius. His extraordinary ability to build, fix, and create earned him great respect and success. Earl built a thriving construction business in the Atlanta, GA area, leaving a lasting mark through prominent homes and countless building projects. After returning to Charlottesville, he continued working as a Professional Contractor, never putting down the tools that connected him to his purpose.

Known for his thoroughness, strong will, and no-nonsense demeanor, Ear l balanced toughness with humor, hard work, and a deep sense of pride in everything he did. He found joy in drawing, building, and learning, especially when it came to mastering trades like brick masonry.

One of the most cherished traditions in the family was Earl's annual Christmas drawings. Each year, when his daughters, nieces, and nephews were young children, he would draw personalized portraits of them—a heartfelt gesture that became a treasured family ritual. These drawings, filled with love and talent, are now lasting keepsakes that capture not only his skill but the warmth of his heart.

His hobbies, be it drawing, building, gardening, cooking, or grilling, were all avenues through which he connected with people. He was the life of the party, the heart of get-togethers, and a pillar in the community. He was a man who lived by the quote, "Do not count the days, make the days count," and " I'M BUILT LIKE THAT!' he made every day count.

Earl Fontaine was a man of strength and resilience, a loving father, and a dear friend to many. He is survived by his parents, the late John "Pete" Johnson and Thelma Deloris Payne-Carey(still living), preceded him in death. His daughters - Terri Anthony-Brown (Rovelle); and Ruth Brown-White (William). 7 Grandchildren - Imani, Erika, Tishanna, Tishawn, Dimitri (Kyle) Symone, Nyla & 5 Great-Grandchildren - Benjamin, Journi, Jayden, Jeremiah & Olivia who were his pride and joy. Along with his children-in-love, Kenyatta, Annette, and Meagan Anthony. He was a proud brother to the late Brenda Payne, his sister Sandra Payne (still living), and his cousin-brother Lloyd Payne (Betty)—a bond that exemplified love and loyalty. He also leaves behind a village of cherished nieces & nephews: La'Mont Payne, Tiffany Christmas, Johnathan Banks, Great-Nieces, & Great-Nephews, La'Ajah, Ta'Quaysha, Torius, Ma'Cali, Malauni, Jacob, Maurice, Jamari, & Khyrie.

Earl's shared a special kind of love with his partner, Dee Hawkins.

Earl's circle of love also included his very dear friends, Lamar "Pudgy" Williams, Quinton "Papers" Harrell and many others whose lives he touched.

As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the life of a man who was full of love, laughter, and a zest for life. His spirit, his stories, his warmth will always be remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST at Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church, 105 Lankford Ave., Charlottesville, VA 22902.

Earl Fontaine Payne will be remembered as a man of immense talent, deep love, and unshakeable grit—a builder not just of homes, but of memories, family, and legacy. He will be deeply missed but forever cherished.

Please share your memories of Earl Fontaine and upload photos to his memorial page, so we can all remember the joy and light he brought into our lives. Let's celebrate his life, remember his legacy, and keep his memory alive for generations to come.

To the Payne family, we at  D. D. Watson offer our most sincere sympathy and condolences. Our prayer continues to be that your abiding faith in God will lend to you a measure of comfort that will strengthen and sustain you during your time of sorrow.