H.B. "Buddy" Payne Jr.

A native Houstonian, Buddy attended Austin High School and Texas A&M University on a football scholarship. He was member of the 1956-60 football team and served as Company Commander in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. Upon graduation, he entered the U. S. Army as an officer and served in that capacity until 1962.

After discharge from the Army, he joined Lynn Elliott Company, a sales and engineering company, which he later acquired. In the years to come Buddy went on to acquire several companies in the oil and gas industry.

Aside from a successful business career, one of Buddy’s passions was Texas A&M University. In the years after graduation Buddy held a variety of positons with Texas A&M including President of the 12th Man Foundation and President of the Texas A&M Letterman’s Association. He was inducted in the Texas A&M Letterman’s Hall of Honor in 2000. He also served as President of the Touchdown Club of Houston.

He was very active at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church where he served in a variety of leadership and support roles over the past 51 years. Additionally, he served as a Director and President of Clarewood House, a Methodist retirement community located in Houston.

Buddy is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Carole Fluegel Payne; children Jeffrey Murray Payne and wife Connie, Sharyn Payne Carpenter and husband Louis; and Brian Howard Payne and wife Michelle. Grandchildren Travis Michael Payne and his wife Rebecca, Courtney Michele Payne, Ashley Renea Carpenter, David Charles Carpenter, Brett Bass Payne, Lauren Michelle Payne, and Ashley Lanier Payne.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 from 5-7 pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway.

A Memorial Service will be held at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079 at 10:30am on Thursday, October 25 with a reception at the church to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Caring Forever Foundation at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, Houston, Tx 77079. Online Donations may be made at (http://mdumc.org/give) or the American Heart Association.