88S30598 KSM-D
By: Hughes S.R. No. 24
R E S O L U T I O N
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 88th Texas 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.