On July 5, 2024, Daniel Travis Payne, 37, "Slipped the surley bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings."

Dan was not only an accomplished pilot, soloing at the age of 16, but he held an Aircraft Mechanic and Airframe Inspector's rating. He was owner and operator of Eagle Aviation at the Hixson airport. He especially loved flying aerobatics in his Christian Eagle II.

Dan Graduated from Hixson High School in 2005 and attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he was a Navy/Marine ROTC student. When not flying, Dan enjoyed working on and restoring cars with his Dad and friends.

He is survived by his parents, Paul and Brenda Payne of Hixson and sister, Emily (Christian) Rinker of Colorado.

Memorial visitation will be held at Hamilton Funeral Home Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 4pm-6pm.

Arrangements entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Service  4506 Hixson Pike Hixson, TN 37343. 423.531.3975