(MURFREESBORO)  Longtime running advocate and retired oral surgeon Fenton Payne Hardison passed away from a brief illness. Funeral services will be at 11:00 o’clock this Friday morning at First United Methodist Church, visitation begins one-hour before the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ascension St Thomas Rutherford Foundation.

He loved the Heart of Tennessee and committed his life to helping others. Each year the popular Fenton Payne and Fred 5K run would sprint through Murfreesboro’s historic district. Proceeds from that run would often go to Special Kids, and was thought to be the stimulus for that non-profit’s popular run.

Giving back to one’s community was a trait ingrained by his parents, and Payne never missed an opportunity to serve.  He was particularly committed to First United Methodist Church, Tennessee Dental Society, and the Rotary Club of Murfreesboro. In fact, he served on Rotary’s board for many years, was a Paul Harris member, and Rotary President in 1976.

He was born in Donelson, where he grew-up. Then on to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Ultimately, his education took him to Memphis for a dental degree from UT, where he ultimately specialized in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery.

His residency at the UT Health Center in Knoxville was interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army dental corps at Camp Casey, South Korea.  

Upon returning from South Korea, Payne married his high school sweetheart Evelyn and after a short stent at Fort Benning, GA he finished his residency at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Knoxville.  

Then in 1966 Payne started his oral surgery practice with his new family in Murfreesboro, where he faithfully served his many employees and patients for 48 years.  The last 13-years were proudly with his son Mark.

Friends admired Payne for always living life to the fullest. That included a love for running, pheasant hunting in South Dakota, touching the face of God while flying his airplane with friend Billy Webb and spending time with his family, which he adored.  

CLICK HERE to see the compete obituary from Woodfin Funeral Chapel.