Chattooga County Probate Judge Jon Payne passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 18, 2020.  Judge Payne had been hospitalized for several weeks after contracting COVID-19.

Judge Payne, known for his smile and affable nature, has been a fixture at the Chattooga County Courthouse for nearly fifty years.  Elected as one of the youngest Probate Judges in Georgia history, Judge Payne had a long career as a public servant and was well liked and respected.

Judge Payne had announced his retirement last year.  He made that announcement in an interview with WZQZ News. In that interview, Judge Payne said, “It has been a humbling experience to serve as probate judge all these years – all these decades.  It has been my honor to serve the good people of Chattooga County.”

Jon Payne was only twenty-five-years-old when he was first elected to office.  Ordinary Judge Paul Weems passed away, which required a special election.  Clerk of Courts Lan Cordle served as the last “Ordinary Judge” and the first temporary Probate Judge until the winner of the special election could be sworn into office.  Jon Payne became Probate Judge and Election Superintendent for Chattooga County and has remained in office through a lot of changes.

WZQZ wants to express our deepest sympathies to Judge Payne’s family.  Judge Payne was the true definition of a public servant and his presence in the Chattooga County community will be greatly missed.