James Payne

Service:
Saturday, May 16, 2009
2:00 PM
at his home in Rockett
Rockett, Tx

James A. "Red" Payne

James A. "Red" Payne, a life long resident of Ellis County died early Monday, May 11 at his home in Rockett. Red, the son of Maye Clopton Connell and Jody Payne was born in Rockett on Feb. 3, 1935. He was preceeded in death by his parents and his wife Sandra Kay "Sandy" Payne.

Red spent his early years at the Rockett home of his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Wade. H. Clopton. He graduated from Ennis High School in 1953 where he received many honors in track and field competition as well as on the football field. He attended college at Tarleton State University before joining the Army Corp of Engineers where he served three years in Japan during the Korean War. After returning home he continued his college education at East Texas State University.

Red returned to Rockett to make his home in 1959. He farmed and did custom bulldozing work for a number of years. In the early 1960's he built Lake Clopton located on Farm Road 813 in Rockett. Prior to retirement, Red worked several years at Burleson's Honey in Waxahachie.

Red is survived by son Wade Payne, daughter, Jana Payne Beeson her husband, David Beeson and grandson, Wade Franklin Beeson along with many dear friends and his beloved animals.

His close friends and family will remember Red in a Memorial service at 2pm on Saturday at his home on Cactus Road.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Wayne Boze Funeral Home.
www.waynebozefuneralhome.com