SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 24
In Memory
of
Jerry Ronald Payne Sr.
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.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate