Ezra Payne, 1949-2019

Ezra Payne, 70, lifelong resident of Dayton passed away on Sunday, June 16, in Baytown. He was born on March 2, 1949 in Dayton, Texas to the late Mercus and Perlie B. Herbert Payne, he was the “baby” and the youngest of ten children. Ezra graduated from Colbert High School in Dayton, class of 1967, where he played as a running back for the football team. One of his fondest memories was playing sports during high school with his other siblings.

Ezra worked as a Process Technician for most of his career with both United States Steel Corporation and Exxon Mobil before his official retirement.

Ezra was a dedicated Christian and Soul Winner. He loved reaching out to others to bring them to the Lord. Ezra was passionate about studying the word of God and referenced his Concordance often. His love for attending church and the Lord was extremely profound. Ezra and his family were members of a church named Christian Life Center in Cleveland, Texas for many years.

Ezra pursued many hobbies one of which included fishing. He was serious about his fishing and enjoyed his time at White’s Park in Chambers County. Ezra liked fishing for Crappie and Catfish. Ezra’s favorite hobby of all was spending time with his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ezra was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Rachel Payne; and his siblings, Oscar Lee “Bay Boy” Payne, Evelyn Payne, Robert Payne, Doris Payne, Mercus Payne Jr., Channie Edwards and Roy Jesse Payne (an infant baby brother). He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 44 years, Ada Marie Payne (Como); his children, Ezra Moses Payne and wife Kathy Payne of Baytown, Aaron Payne and wife LeAnn Payne of Baytown, Miriam Marie Payne of Atascocita, Joshua Wayne Payne Sr. and wife Dannielle Payne of Liberty and Leah Lynette Payne of Dayton; his grandchildren, Hannah Payne, Mariah Payne, Kaylei Payne, Karisa Payne, Joshua Payne Jr., Bailee Payne, Raelyn Payne, Jaxon Payne, Nanesse Fletcher, Domonique Brown, Fred Brown, Carlisha Fletcher, Eli Ortega and Jasmine Ortega; his brothers, Heron Payne and wife Trish Payne and Charles “C.J.” Payne; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Honoring the family by serving as pallbearers will be Jesse Donatto, Don Donatto, John Donatto, Raymond Sias, Fred Brown and Alvin Edwards.

Friends are invited to visit with the family beginning at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 21, at Eastgate Church, 1707 County Rd. 611 in Dayton. A funeral service will begin at 2 p.m., with Bro. Wayne Neyland officiating. A graveside service and committal will immediately follow at Palms Memorial Park Cemetery in Dayton.

Condolences can be shared online with the family by visiting www.SterlingFuneralHome.com.