Payne earned a bachelor’s in ornamental horticulture from Ohio State University in 1955 and later studied municipal administration at the University of Cincinnati and Xavier. He joined the Cincinnati Park Board as a junior landscape engineer in 1956. During his 31-year career his titles included landscape architect, supervising horticulturist, assistant superintendent of parks, superintendent of parks and director of parks.

Payne served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps Enlisted Reserve (1955-1963) and achieved the rank of staff sergeant. He taught horticulture at the University of Cincinnati evening college from 1968 to 1971. He was named outstanding professional of the year in 1982 by the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association.