CMSgt Robert Payne Jr. (Ret.)

CMSgt Robert Payne, Jr., better known to most people as “Chief” or “Coach,” was born on 25 February 1946 to Zeb and Ezell Payne of Paris, Tennessee.

Chief Payne was united in Holy Matrimony to Elizabeth (Bonnie) Payne on 2 May 1969 in Miami, Florida.  From this union, they had two sons, Robert (Linda) Payne of Bossier City, Louisiana and Anthony (Angela) Payne of Mobile, Alabama.  His sons gave him four grandchildren:  Mandi, Iyana, Elijah, and Aubree.  Chief Payne also has 4 siblings,  Janice (Dale) McClain (deceased); Freddie (Carroll) Williams of Paris, Tennessee; Curtis (Lareiter—deceased) Payne of Memphis, Tennessee; and Wanda (Dyvester) Todd of Paris, Tennessee. He also has several nieces, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews to cherish his memory.

Chief Payne was in the United States Air Force for 30 years, retiring in June 1995.  After retirement, he went to Lewis Middle School to serve as a Social Studies teacher and a coach for boys baseball, girls basketball, football, and soccer. He only coached soccer for one season because he couldn’t stand the cold weather. Coach Payne taught for 14 years, fully retiring in July 2009.  As a full-time retiree, he enjoyed watching westerns, cheering for the Dodgers, Lakers, and Colts, and spending time with his grandchildren. 

Chief Payne was an active member of the Eglin’s Gospel Service for over nearly 40 years. He served as the service’s Head Usher for many of those years. 

On 25 May 2024, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease, Chief Payne transitioned from this life to the next life, worshiping around the throne of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He leaves behind a lifelong legacy of service, along with a host of relatives and friends who have been impacted by their time with him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of CMSgt Robert Payne Jr. (Ret.), please visit our floral store.