Charles C. Payne was born on January 8, 1940, in Evanston, Illinois, to Baltimore Payne and Victoria “Dolly” Payne.
He died on June 26, 2025 in Des Plaines, Illinois, where he had lived for many years following the death of his wife, Felicia L. Payne, in November 1999. He died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and loyal friend and caregiver Michael Perrin.
He was a community icon who made significant contributions to Evanston’s once-thriving Black community. He was well-known in Evanston as one of the best barbers at Thee Barbershop, which was located on the corner of Simpson St. and Darrow Ave.
He took part in the semi-professional sports teams that arose on Evanston’s west side. He was present at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Center when Robert “Bob” Lackey signed with Al McQuire to play college basketball at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Lorraine Morton, the late former mayor of Evanston and his long-time neighbor, referred to him as Charlie. One day, Muhammad Ali, The Champ, came by to get a haircut. The Champ asked, “Hey, Brother, can you cut my hair?” Payne replied, “Sure, Champ, have a seat.”
His daughter Leslie stated that her father was knowledgeable about all sports and would give listeners his opinion whether they agreed with him or not. He understood what he was talking about.
Survivors include his sister Jean Marie “Sissy” Hughley of Antioch, TN; his daughter Leslie (Harold) Yates of Arlington, TX; his son Alando Palmer of South Carolina; grandchildren Mark Gaston of West Fargo, N.D. and Baltimore Yates of Arlington, TX; great granddaughter Amari Gaston of Chicago, IL; and sister-in-law Estelle “Bunny” Edens of Hyde Park, IL, as well as a slew of nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends.
A private service had already taken place. The family welcomes contributions to the American Heart Association from those who wish to honor Charles Payne’s memory.
