James Winston Payne

James Winston Payne, age 65 of Whitney, TX passed away on August 19,2021, at Mexia Hospital.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors Chapel in Whitney, TX.  Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Whitney.  Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 on Monday, August 23, 2021, at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors in Whitney.

James was born on March 15, 1956, in El Paso, Texas to James R. and Ruby (Foster) Payne.  James attended schools in Germany, Oklahoma and Texas while his father was on active military duty.  He attended school in Abbott where his parents made their forever home.  James graduated High School in 1975.  After an extended period of time, he returned to school and attended Hill Junior College and graduated in 1987 with a 4.0 grade point average and making the Dean’s list.  He married the love of his life, Rose Mary Kolar, on April 17, 1976, in West, Texas.  They settled in West where they made their home before moving to Abbott in 1986.  While living in Abbott, he was on the volunteer fire department for 15 years.  James belonged to the Hillsboro Masonic Lodge and was a member of The Order Of the Eastern Star.  He also served on the school board as well as led Boy Scout Troop #375.  James and Rose Mary also coached spring and fall soccer for many years.  In 2002, James and Rose Mary moved to Whitney.  He loved fishing, hunting, camping but most of all bowling.  James bowled in leagues in Dallas and Waco.  He retired as maintenance director of an assisted living facility.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Kelly Payne; father, James Payne; brother, Willie Payne; and sister, Betty Deluce.

James is survived by his wife, Rose Mary; son, Jason; grandson, Nykolas; mother, Ruby Payne; a very special friend, Michael Graham; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial contributions in James’ memory can be to the American Diabetes Foundation or the American Kidney Foundation.