Gerald "Eddie" Payne

Gerald Edward “Eddie” Payne, 75, of Crossett, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2020, at his home. He was born in Tinsman, Arkansas, on March 14, 1944, to his parents, Cecil Edward and Eunice Roberts Payne.

Being one of seven children and the only son, he had a very humble upbringing. He was a 1962 graduate of New Edinburg High School and began working for Georgia Pacific that same year. After thirty years, he eventually retired as a Millwright/Journeyman in 1992.

He was a Mason with the Crossett Lodge # 576, and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason.

Eddie loved the Lord, which was apparent in how he lived his life. He served as a deacon for most of his adult life at the South Crossett Missionary Baptist Church and the South Main Baptist Church, where he was a faithful member and former Sunday School teacher.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and raising a garden; however, moments shared with his family, especially his grandchildren, were what he treasured most.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon Lynnette Porter; and one sister, Jimmie Ann Payton.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sharon Walker Payne, of Crossett; one son, Michael E. Payne and wife, Erica, of Bossier City, LA; five sisters, Hazel Denton of Milo, Carolyn Nolan and husband, R.G., of Moro Bay, Lavon Meirose and husband, Jim, of Kansas City, MO, Rowena Miller and husband, James, of Russellville, AR, and Barbara Eddy and husband, Mike, of Crossett; along with six grandchildren, Jordan Payne and wife, Kelli, of Benton, LA, Candace Guice and husband, Cole, also of Benton, Morgan Messina and husband, Tate, of Haughton, LA, Raley Payne of Ruston, LA, and Taylor and Lauren Porter of Fayetteville, NC; and four great-grandchildren, Tenley, Raelynn, Lynlee, and Landry.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at the South Main Baptist Church with Pastor Lyle Hern and Bro. Roy Grantham, officiating, followed by interment at Pinewood Memorial Park under the direction of Medders Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, prior to the service.

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