Johnny Payne is from Madisonville. He attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where he met his wife, Peggy Hunter Payne. Johnny graduated in 1982 and served in the United States Air Force for more than 20 years and was involved in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In 2003, his family returned to Madisonville. Johnny still flies planes to this day. Johnny and Peggy have four children- Corbin, Matt, Sophia, and Roger.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Johnny and discussing his experience over the years. If you’d like to read more and see his front row seat to history, please use the links below!