Horace A. Payne

PAYNE, Horace Allwyn, 89, a native of Hamlin, Texas, and the son of Bartow Clinton and Katie Izora Joyner Payne, died Sunday, April 3, 2011. Known as “Fritz” by friends and family, he grew up on a cotton farm, and after graduating from high school left home to make his own way in the world. He found employment with a road construction crew in Texas before the outbreak of WWII. When the war started Fritz joined the U.S. Navy in September 1942, serving on the destroyer escort USS JACOB JONES for the duration of the war. Fritz loved the Navy and found his one true love, Alida, while serving. They started their married life in Norfolk, VA and enjoyed living in Puerto Rico and Hawaii during his service. Fritz retired from the Navy after a tour at the Washington Navy Yard in 1965. Returning to Texas, Fritz found a position with Stewart and Stevenson Services in Houston, and remained with them until 1988. Fritz and Alida moved to Pike Road, Alabama in 2007 to live near family. Fritz was a beloved family man who will be deeply missed. He is survived in his immediate family by his wife Alida Frances Richter Payne, son Richard Allwyn Payne of Pike Road, AL, his wife Patricia Ann and their son John, and daughter Patricia Ann Payne, DVM of Anchorage, AK. A Memorial Service will be held at the Alabama Heritage Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2011, with the Visitation beginning at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Condolences may be offered at www.alabamaheritagefh.com. Alabama Heritage Directing.