Benjamin Bryant Payne

Benjamin Bryant Payne, 54, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished son, and beloved brother and friend, passed away on January 4 in Mechanicsville, VA.

Born on June 27, 1971, in Montgomery, WV, Bryant carried a deep love and respect for his family throughout his life. He was a supportive and loyal brother, always present with a sense of humor. His mother encouraged him not only to love the Lord but to have a relationship with Him. He sang hymns while playing the guitar or piano (by ear) from his Christian upbringing that spoke to the honesty and soul of his belief in our Savior.

Meeting in their early 20’s, Bryant and Robin had an instant connection. This connection revolved around laughter, shared interests, and commitment. They were married on August 23, 1997, and moved into their first home in Chesterfield, VA. There, they made many friendships and had their first son, Coleton. Recognizing their desire to grow their family, they decided to build in Mechanicsville, VA. In 2005, they were blessed with a second son, Benjamin. Bryant was a devoted and loving husband to Robin, sharing 28 years of marriage and friendship. 

As a father, Bryant placed family at the heart of everything he did. To Coleton and Benjamin, he was a constant source of guidance and strength. His boys were his greatest pride and joy. Bryant loved coaching them and their teammates in football and baseball. For the last twenty years, he has spent most Saturdays on a field or sideline, with no other place he’d rather be. He was endlessly proud of his sons, and his greatest joy was being their dad, their steadfast supporter, and their friend.

Bryant was known for his kindness, faith, and sense of humor. He found joy in making others smile, especially when those moments were shared with his family and closest friends. His presence filled every room with laughter and warmth. We will all miss BDB.

At work, Bryant brought a certain know-how to the job, and his meticulous ways were known by many. He spent the last 12 years employed by JLL, as a Lead Engineer/Maintenance Coordinator, working on the Capital One account. Bryant also spent 23 years working as a licensed electrician at several different companies in the Richmond area and would frequently point out the buildings that he had wired. The friendships he made during this time were long-lasting.

Though his time here was far too brief, Bryant’s legacy will live on through all who were blessed to know him. Bryant is preceded in death by his father, Robert Franklin Payne. He is survived by his loving wife, Robin Rhoades Payne; his children, Coleton Lee and Benjamin Caleb; his mother, Janet Lee Payne; his sister, Jenny Harrah (David); and half-sisters Natalie Payne, April Payne, and Melissa Payne. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and many extended family and friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:30 pm on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 Creighton Parkway, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. All those attending are welcome to stay for a short service that will follow at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in his memory be made to Mechanicsville Little League, Mechanicsville Youth Football, like the Mechanicsville Hornets, or the Mechanicsville High School Athletics Booster Club. 

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