TITLE: In memory of Robert R. Payne of Leander.

SUMMARY: In memory of Robert R. Payne of Leander.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the passing of Robert R. Payne of Leander on January 12, 2015, at the age of 76; and WHEREAS, Bob Payne was born in Big Spring on November 19, 1938; during World War II, he lived with his family in Pasadena, California, before returning to Texas; and WHEREAS, In 1955, Mr. Payne joined the U.S. Navy, embarking upon an exemplary 25-year tenure in the military that included service at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base during the Cuban Missile Crisis and a combat tour with the U.S. Marines in Vietnam; in recognition of his valorous efforts, he received 63 decorations and commendations; and WHEREAS, Mr. Payne married the former Edith Smith in 1962, and they lived in numerous locations around the world as he pursued his navy career; their son, Walter, was born in Annapolis, Maryland, and their daughter, Maria, was born in Scotland; and WHEREAS, After retiring from the navy in 1979, Mr. Payne became the facilities manager at SAS Institute in Austin, where he worked for the next 23 years; a member of the International Facility Management Association, he edited its journal, and he likewise edited a Veterans Administration newsletter and Cryptolog,the newsmagazine of the Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association; he was also the coauthor of a book, Earhart's Flight into Yesterday: The Facts Without the Fiction;and WHEREAS, Proud of his military service, Mr. Payne was an officer of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the Military Officers Association of America, the American Legion, the Fleet Reserve Association, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Military Affairs Council of the Austin Chamber of Commerce; moreover, he performed volunteer work with Veterans Affairs offices in Temple and Cedar Park; and WHEREAS, This respected community leader also contributed his time and talents to benefit the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and the Williamson County Republican Party; as a docent at the historic Williamson County Courthouse, he occasionally performed as Robert McAlpin Williamson, an early Texas lawmaker, and he was much in demand as a public speaker around Central Texas; and WHEREAS, Bob Payne dedicated his life to serving his family, his community, and his nation, and he leaves behind a legacy of achievement that will continue to inspire all those who knew and loved him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Robert R. Payne and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Edith Payne; to his children, Walter and Maria; to his grandson, Robert; to his sisters, Zona Faye, Jackie, and Debbie; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Robert R. Payne. Dale Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 362 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on February 19, 2015. Chief Clerk of the House