Richard A. Payne

In his youth, Richard was a Page at the Capitol and was a member of the Vienna Boys Choir. In 1951, he joined the US Air Force, serving in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. While he was stationed in Colorado, he was a Royal Ambassador Leader at Security Baptist Church. He was a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America. He retired in 1975 after serving 24 years. After his retirement, he served as a Fire Commissioner Northeast Fire District, attended Bible Baptist Institute of Graceville, FL and was the Music Director at New Hope Baptist Church and at Kensington Park Baptist Church. He was an active member of Sarasota Baptist Church. He loved music, wood working, collecting stamps and was a member of the Venice Stamp Club.

In 1954, Richard married Betty L. Hurd. They met while both were stationed in Japan. Together, they have three children and were married for 51 years, until Betty passed in 2006. In 2008, Richard married Rita Moore. In their 13 years of marriage, they enjoyed going on cruises and volunteering at their church. He was a good husband, father and a man of God.

A Visitation will be held at Sarasota Baptist Church on Friday, February 4, 2022 at 1:00pm. A celebration of life will follow at 1:30pm. Interment will be at Palms Memorial Park at 3:00pm following the service.

Richard is survived by his wife, Rita Payne; his children, William Payne, Cynthia (Mike) Abbott and Ricky Payne; grandchildren Jeremy (Kella), Jesse (Gemma) Mathews, Brandi Payne and Michael LaGrave; great-grandchildren, Brianna, Jennifer, Ethan, Zachary and Juliet; great-great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Eliana.

Richard is proceeded in death by his parents Alphonso and Dora Payne, his brother James A. Payne and his first wife Betty Payne.

Memorial donations can be made to: Sarasota Baptist Church 7091 Proctor Road, Sarasota, FL 34241 or

Operation Second Chance 20251 Century Blvd., Suite 130 Germantown, MD 20874. Please note that your donation is in honor and memory of Ret. MSGT Richard Payne