John Payne

John H. Payne, 87 of Buckner, Arkansas passed away on Monday, November 25, 2013 at his home in Buckner.

He was born the oldest of seven children on June 20, 1926 in Celeste, Texas to the late Remis and Hollie Payne. He was a veteran in the United States Navy serving during World War II from 1943 to 1946 in the Pacific Theatre. He was a member of the American Legion and the Union Baptist Church in Bodcaw, Arkansas.

John loved his family and country music. He would like to be remembered for his music, love for people, and doing the right thing. In 1945 he formed his first band, The Texas Joy Boys. Because of his successful music career, he was elected to be a lifetime voting member of the Academy of Country Music.

He is preceded in death by his parents a son Rod Payne two grandchildren three sisters, and one brother.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Audra Payne a son Stan daughter Susan Skipworth stepson Paul stepdaughter Kim his sister Daisy and brother Mike. John has 12 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Union Baptist Church in Bodcaw, Arkansas with Bro. Joe Brown. Visitation with the family will be Saturday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. in Magnolia. Visitation in Clovis, New Mexico is from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at SteedTodd Funeral Home in Clovis, New Mexico. Burial will be in Portales Cemetery in Portales, New Mexico at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 under the direction of SteedTodd Funeral Home in Clovis, New Mexico. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Texarkana Building Fund, 803 Spruce Street, Texarkana, Texas 75501 or to the Arkansas Sheriffs Youth Ranches, Inc., PO Box 3964, Batesville, Arkansas 72503.

An online guest book is available at www.lewisfuneralhome.biz. Arrangements are under the care and direction of SteedTodd Funeral Home and Crematory, 800 E Manana Blvd, Clovis, New Mexico 575 7635541. You may also sign the online guest registry at www.steedtodd.com .

Visitation

SteedTodd Funeral Home
800 E. Manana
Clovis, NM  88101
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

Service

Funeral Service

Union Baptist Church
Union Baptist Church
Bodcaw, AR  71858
Sunday, December 1, 2013
2:00 p.m.

Graveside

Portales Cemetery
3rd & Kilgore
Portales, NM  88130
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
11:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Portales Cemetery
3rd & Kilgore
Portales, NM  88130

Memorial Contributions

803 Spruce Street
Texaskana, TX  75501


PO Box 3964
Batesville, AR  72503