Born in Binghamton, N.Y., on February 27 1944, Dennis Leo Payne was raised in the Southern Tier region of New York and in Central Florida. He got into the horse business with his grandparents on his mother's side, and he learned shoeing and blacksmithing from his stepfather Robert.
Over the course of his 50-plus years of shoeing horses, he was responsible for the foot care of three Hambletonian winners, including Continentalvictory, Self Possessed and Victory Dream.
He quietly shod dozens of World Champions and superstars of the sport of harness racing…too numerous to mention. In fact, when Niatross visited Monticello Raceway in 1980, it was Dennis Payne who re-set the iconic pacers footwear.
Payne passed away on February 1 2018, and is survived by his loving wife Joann Murns-Payne, 2 sons, Danny Payne (Carol Ann) Ga., John Payne (Dawn) S.C., a daughter Amie Payne, Ga, a step daughter Casey Huckabone (Claude) N.Y., a step son Dustin Miller (Margaret) N.Y., a brother Richared Wride, fifteen grand children and ten great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Robert and LaRita Wride and a brother Russell Payne.
The Southern Tier Harness Horsemen's Association is coordinating a memorial service with horsemen and women walking from the Tioga Downs paddock to the Winner's Circle at 12:50 pm on Sunday for a brief memorial service, honoring members who have passed in the last year. Food and refreshments will be served, along with the sharing of fond memories, from 1 pm to 2 pm in the Tent on the Tioga Downs apron.
by Chris Tully on behalf of the Payne family