Ronald Harold Payne

Ronald Harold Payne

1935 - 2015

Ronald “Ron” Harold Payne, 80, of Oklahoma City, Okla., went to be with his Lord and Savior on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015. He was born March 9, 1935, in Pampa, Texas, to the late Harold Cecil and Mildred Loraine (Sligh) Payne. He grew up in Pampa and graduated in the Class of 1954 from Western Military Academy in Alton, Ill. He was baptized at and a member of First Christian Church of Pampa. He served honorably in the U.S. Air Force and also was a 32nd Degree Mason. Ron was a superior salesman, spending many years on the road. He was employed at Burlington Industries for 16 years and Vinyl Top Specialists for 23 years, among others.

Besides living in Pampa and Oklahoma City, Ron had residences in Enid, Moore, Tulsa and the Lake Tenkiller area of Oklahoma during his lifetime. He was an avid football fan and liked nothing better than a good cheeseburger. Everything he did was completed with flair, including the customization of his homes, cars and clothing. He left nothing untouched. Though he sometimes let people think he was a bit gruff, friends and family saw his sweet and caring side, as well as his sharp sense of humor. Those who knew Ron will remember his standard answer to most things was “not a problem,” and this was evident in his generosity and willingness to help others.

Ron is survived by: his children, Jim and wife Laura Herndon, Diane and husband Mike Smith, and Rick and wife Jennifer Payne, raised with their mother Vera (Porterfield) Payne. He also is survived by seven grandchildren: Jamey, Jessica, Shannon, Justin, Ramsey and Rachel, as well as Haley, who was raised with her grandmother Cynthia (Turner) Payne; and nine great-grandchildren: Devin, Trinity, Poppy, Tristan, Eastyn, Brynlee, Brianna, Colby and Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in Ron’s name to: Cherokee Hills Baptist Church, 5700 N.W. 63rd St., Oklahoma City, OK 73132.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2015, at Cherokee Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper, 405-848-3744. Viewing times are Wednesday and Thursday, April 8 and 9, 2015, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Graveside Service will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park.