John R. “Ronnie” Payne, 84, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away at 3:34 A.M. Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at Mercy Health Lourdes.
Ronnie was born in Orange, Texas on May 2, 1936 to John and Helen Payne. He served his country in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. His interest was living life to it’s fullest. He was a Motorsports enthusiast (which) included) motorcycles, boats, planes and cars. He owned motorcycles from the time he was in High School up to the age of 75. He raced Formula Atlantic cars; winning the points championship in the Indianapolis division. He piloted his private airplane (early in his career), he was a stunt pilot instructor to his later project of building an experimental single engine airplane from scratch. He owned too many boats to list; from sailboats to racing boats to house boats and every kind of boat in between. He created many one of a kind toys such as BBQ cookers, air cannons and specialty tools( to make the impossible jobs easy). He was (to his delighted friends) a gourmet cook. The list is so exhaustive, it would fill a book.
Mr. Payne is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Hale Payne; his son, Chuck Payne (Yolanda), of Paducah; his sister, Doris Potocki (Donnie), of Christopher, Illinois; his brother, Michael Payne (Marilyn), of New Mexico; his grandchildren, Jessica Blaine (Evan Lee), Tad Payne, Lexie Taylor, Alex Taylor; his great grandchildren, Braygen Blaine, Bud Blaine, Baylor Blaine, Brier Blaine.
Mr. Payne was preceded in death by his son, Greg Payne; his parents, John Edwin Payne and Helen Leray Payne.
Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 P.M. Friday, June 19, 2020 at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services with Bro. Rob Ison officiating.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Friday, June 19, 2020 at the Lone Oak Chapel.
There is no public interment planned.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to: Merryman House, PO Box 98, Paducah, KY 42002.
We appreciate your help in maintaining state mandated Covid restrictions. This includes the minimum 6 feet distancing within our facility at all times.
During this difficult time, you may show your support by joining the “Hugs from Home” program where your message will be attached to a balloon in the chapel to remind the family of your love and support. Please go to www.milnerandorr.com by 5:00 P.M. Thursday, June 18, 2020, to send a hug.
You may leave a message of condolence for the family and light a candle of remembrance at milnerandorr.com.
