George Willie Payne

George Willie Payne Sr., age 77, of Wildomar, California, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2023. George was born in Brighton, Tennessee on April 18, 1946. He was the son of Willie Payne and Letty T. Staton.

George was raised in Milwaukee and joined the Navy at 17 years old. He took great pride in serving in the US Navy before retiring in 1984. He wanted to be a truck driver but he did not want to be away from his family. He enjoyed working with his hands so he went to school to be a mechanic and learn about auto body repair. He still felt a calling to serve the public so he became a police officer for the Department of Defense from 1985-2012.

After retirement, George spent his days around the house doing what he enjoyed. He liked to build model Navy ships, play games with family and keep his house in order. He loved to keep things clean and if you happened to leave a dirty car in his driveway, you were definitely either going to hear about it, or it was going to be washed for you.

George enjoyed a Rum and Coke on occasion and was always ready to listen to good soul music. His song of choice? “Skintight” by the Ohio Players. Even during the moments you wouldn’t expect to hear it played.

George often said, “you don’t HAVE the time, you MAKE the time” and that’s what he did. He made time for things that were important. He was a kind and caring man with the ability to make anyone feel at ease. He was able to strike up a conversation easily with anyone lucky enough to cross his path. He was a calm, easy-going and friendly man who was always quick to share a laugh or a smile.

George is preceded in death by his father Willie Payne, his mother Letty T. Staton and his brothers William Earl Payne and Clarence Payne.

He will be remembered as a loving and dedicated husband and father. He is survived by his wife Mei Payne; his daughter Irene Payne; his son George Payne Jr and his wife Jennifer; his Grandson Kaden Frometa and a host of family and friends.

A visitation for George will be held Monday, June 19, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Miller Jones Mortuary and Crematory, 1835 N. Perris Blvd., Perris, California, followed by Interment at the Miramar National Cemetery on June 20th at 10:15 AM.