Gerald Wayne Payne, 89, of Bedford, Texas, formerly of Hereford, Texas, passed away on March 30, 2024.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Robertson Funeral Directors Heritage Chapel in Memphis, Texas. The burial will be at the Lakeview Cemetery in Lakeview, Texas. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2024, at Robertson Funeral Directors in Memphis. Arrangements are being made by Robertson Funeral Directors of Memphis.
Gerald was born July 29, 1934, in Lakeview. His parents were the late Troy and Lela Payne. He grew up in Lakeview and was a 1952 graduate of Lakeview High School. He then attended Clarendon College and West Texas State University. He was a Korean Veteran in the U.S. Army.
Gerald married Wanda Zell Kennard on Aug. 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, the chamber of commerce and 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; daughters Vicki Renee Payne-McCraw and husband Danny, of Bedford, and Staci Rachelle Smith and husband U. Mark, of Bedford; grandchildren Lexy Gizzi and husband Tyler, of Bedford, Stetson Smith and wife Peyton, of Irving, Texas, Hudson Smith and fiancé Markie MacAluso, of Bedford, and Danny Lee McCraw and wife April, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; great-grandchildren Blakely and Brooks Gizzi and Danny Wayne and Elizabeth McCraw; sisters-in-law Retha June Stewart, of Lesley, and Frances Kennard, of Texarkana, Texas; nephews Clay Stewart, Charles Marcus Stewart and Larry Ketron; niece Jennifer Smith and husband Allan; and great-nieces, a 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 a favorite charity.
Sign the online guest book at robertsonfuneral. com.
