Simon "Payne" Parker Jr.

HAMPTON - Simon "Payne" Parker Jr. triumphantly entered the glorious presence of his heavenly father on Nov. 17, 2009, following a long and incredibly full life.
Payne was a gentle soul who loved strangers, his family, and the beauty of nature, and who spread sunshine wherever he went. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and were inspired by his example.
A lifelong resident of Hampton, Payne was born on Oct. 24, 1914, to the late Simon Payne Parker Sr. and Miriam Turnbull Parker. After graduating from Hampton High School, Payne proudly served in the Army during WWII, both in the U.S. horse cavalry and as an officer's aide in the Philippines. Upon returning from the war, he wooed, won, and finally wed the love of his life, Kathryn (Katy) Ironmonger. They were happily married for almost 50 years and had one daughter, Radha Janis Horton-Parker.
Payne completed the Apprentice School in drafting and worked at NACA and NASA during the glory days of space exploration until his retirement. He also served as a member of the Hampton Volunteer Fire Department for more than 50 years.
Payne is survived by his daughter, Radha Janis Horton-Parker, his son-in-law, Skip Horton-Parker; his grandson, Matt Horton; his cousin, Arden Lou O'Daniel; his nieces, Rosalind Tirrell, Jaine Gilbert, and Debbie Spellacy; his nephews, Bob Haukom, Gary Haukom, Mike Ironmonger, and Dan Parker; his great-nieces, Rebecca Tirrell, Tracy McPherson, and Cathy Tirrell; his great-nephew, Barry Sprouse Jr.; his great-great niece, Rachel; and his sister-in-law, Ethelyn Ironmonger Haukom.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his dear wife, Katy; his brother, Lawrence "Tiggie" Parker; his sister-in-law, Constance K. Parker; and his niece Connie Sprouse.
Payne was one the oldest and most beloved members of Hampton Central United Methodist Church, which he had attended all of his life. In addition, he was a member of the Wythe Exchange Club, the Hampton Yacht Club, the Langley Officers Club, the former Fort Monroe Officers Club, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Elks; and was a past member of the James River Hunt Club.
Payne was recognized by all who knew him for his philanthropy, his undaunted good cheer, his bright smile, and most of all for his constant reminder to everyone that "things are looking up, up, up!" He was also known "as the flower man" for the floral gifts that he gave to total strangers everywhere he went. For these reasons, he was honored in 2007 by being named a "Community Star" on a televised NewsChannel 3 segment.
Payne died soon after celebrating his 95th birthday, from complications following cancer surgery.
There will be a viewing at R. Hayden Smith funeral home on Friday, Nov. 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and a funeral service at Central United Methodist Church, Hampton on Saturday at 2 p.m. Interment will follow in St. John's Cemetery. The family will greet visitors at Central United Methodist Church following the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, please give donations in memory of Payne to Hampton Central United Methodist Church.
Dear Payne, may you keep on dancing, in heaven as on earth! View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.