TITLE: In memory of Jerry Ronald Payne Sr.

SUMMARY: In memory of Jerry Ronald Payne Sr.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Family and friends will long cherish their memories of Dr. Jerry Ronald Payne Sr. of Hallsville, who passed away on July 17, 2023, at the age of 87; and WHEREAS, The son of Luther Maldon Payne and Opal Donnis Dulany, Jerry Payne was born in Dodson, Louisiana, on December 10, 1935; following his graduation from Bolton High School, he attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where he went on to earn his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees; he married the love of his life, the former Marilyn Delaine Pippen, on August 24, 1957, and the couple shared a fulfilling marriage that spanned nearly six decades until her passing in 2014; they became the parents of 5 children, Mal, Ronnie, Donnis, Melissa, and Jeannie, and they later knew the joy of welcoming into their treasured family 15 grandchildren, Jon, Amy, Jacob, Jonah, Grant, Morgan, Katherine, Michael, Coby, Melody, Abby, Lily, Jaxon, Bronwyn, and Charlotte, and 2 great-grandchildren, Rayden and Isabel; and WHEREAS, Dr. Payne embarked on his distinguished career in music education as a band director at Alexandria Junior High, and after a stint at Alexandria Senior High, he returned to Northwestern State to serve as director of bands; during this time, he also served his country in the United States Army National Guard and was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis of 1961; in 1977, he accepted the band director position in Marshall, and under his able leadership, the Marshall High School "Big Red Pride" Band earned numerous honors; he retired in 2002 after more than 45 years as a music educator; and WHEREAS, Following his retirement, Dr. Payne devoted himself to caring for his wife throughout her battle with Parkinson's disease; in his leisure time, he enjoyed traveling, cheering on the Texas Rangers, and spending time with his family and friends, and he continued his passion for music by giving private lessons and performing as a saxophone player; and WHEREAS, Jerry Payne lived a life that was rich in personal and professional achievements, and he will forever be a source of inspiration to those he leaves behind; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Dr. Jerry Ronald Payne Sr. and extend sincere sympathy to all who mourn his passing; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Dr. Jerry Payne. Hughes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on October 19, 2023, by a rising vote.