CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Ralph S. Payne, the founder of cosmetology school Queen City College, passed away last week at the age of 87, according to his obituary.
Payne was born in Montgomery County on Feb. 21, 1938. According to Clarksville Now archives, at the age of 46, he realized the need for better vocational training in the field of cosmetology. Payne, who was a barber and salon owner, founded Queen City Hair College, Clarksville’s first unisex salon, on March 5, 1984.
On May 10, 1985, he married Laura McNamara, who had been employed at Queen City Hair College since its opening, and she was named chief administrator. In May 1990, the school changed its name to Queen City College (QCC).
For nearly 40 years, QCC grew and expanded from its small original location on Franklin Street to 1594 Fort Campbell Blvd., occupying over 13,000 square feet and adding numerous programs over the years including Barber, Esthetics, and Nail Technician.
QCC was a family business, and many members of the family graduated from and worked there over the years. In addition to the quality education, Payne and his family mentored countless students, and their Christian beliefs enabled them to reach beyond the teacher/student “role.”
Ralph was a master barber for over 68 years, and his passion led him to even write laws for the State of Tennessee Barber Board. In 2012, then-Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam appointed Payne to serve as a Barber Board member.
In May 2023, QCC announced it would be closing its doors in 2025 after 40 years in business due to changes in government regulations.
On Sept. 25, Payne passed away at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife, Laura, five children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at Neal Tarpley Parchman Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 2, from 4-7 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow the Friday service at Marion United Methodist Church Cemetery.