Gerald Wayne Payne's Obituary
Gerald Wayne Payne, 89 of Bedford, Texas formerly of Hereford, Texas, passed away on March 30, 2024.
Services will be on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 11:00am at Robertson Funeral Directors Heritage Chapel in Memphis, Texas. The burial will be at the Lakeview Cemetery in Lakeview, Texas.
Visitation will be Friday, April 5, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 at Robertson Funeral Directors in Memphis, Texas.
Arrangements are being made by Robertson Funeral Directors of Memphis.
Gerald was born July 29, 1934, in Lakeview, Texas. His parents were the late Troy and Lela Payne. He grew up in Lakeview, Texas and was a 1952 graduate of Lakeview High School, then attended Clarendon College and West Texas State University. He was a Korean Veteran in the U.S. Army.
Gerald married Wanda Zell Kennard, August 31, 1956, at the Lesley Baptist Church in Lesley, Texas. They had two daughters, Vicki Renee and Staci Rachelle.
During his lifetime he was owner of an Abstract and Title Co., an Insurance Co. and a Broker Co. He was always involved in Athletic Booster Clubs, Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club and was a Master Mason and Shriner. His greatest highlight was being there for every sporting event that his grandchildren and great grandchildren were involved in. His family was his greatest joy and the love of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda of Bedford, Texas; daughters Vicki Renee Payne-McCraw and husband Danny of Bedford, Texas and Staci Rachelle Smith and husband U. Mark of Bedford, Texas; Grandchildren Lexy Gizzi and husband Tyler of Bedford, Texas, Stetson Smith and wife Peyton of Irving, Texas, Hudson Smith and fiancé Markie MacAluso of Bedford, Texas, and Danny Lee McCraw and wife April of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Great grandchildren Blakely and Brooks Gizzi and Danny Wayne and Elizabeth McCraw; Sisters in law Retha June Stewart of Lesley, Texas and Frances Kennard of Texarkana, Texas; Nephews Clay Stewart, Charles Marcus Stewart and Larry Ketron; Niece Jennifer Smith and husband Allan; and great nieces, great nephew and cousins close to his heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a great grandson Harrison Smith.
The family suggest memorials be to the: Lakeview Cemetery, c/o Dixie Barbee, 825 S. 9th, Memphis, TX 79259; Lakeview Ex-Students Association, 14057 CRT, Hedley, TX 79237; Or Favorite Charity.
What’s your fondest memory of Gerald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gerald?
Share a story where Gerald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gerald you’ll never forget.
How did Gerald make you smile?
