Andrew Ray Payne

A. Ray Payne Andrew Ray Payne passed away in Seton Medical Center, Austin, Texas, on November 24, following a sudden illness. Ray was born in Gatesville, Texas on December 30, 1933 to Charlotte (Cooper) and Dick Payne. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved brother Joe and lifelong friend Anne Chamlee of Temple. He is survived by his sister-in-law Nancy Pfluger Payne of Austin, nieces Charlotte Payne of Perth, Australia, Diane and Kathy of Austin, and nephew Mark of Greenville, North Carolina, and his Godson Justin MacDonald of Kerrville. He is also survived by a multitude of very dear long time friends, most especially Jon Ruff and his family of Longview, Wayne Bell, Jim T. Brown, E. B. Baker, Des Taylor, James Kimbro and Richard Keahey of Austin, and Granger McDonald of Kerrville. Ray graduated from Gatesville High School in 1951, attended Baylor University and Texas Tech before finding his architectural passion at The University of Texas School of Architeccture. Ray was a member of the American Institute of Architects, Austin Chapter throughout his entire career. He began his career in Waco, Texas with Bennett Carnahan Hearn and Thomas Architects before moving to Austin where he worked with several prominent architectural firms including Danze and Davis Architects and Barnes, Landes, Goodman and Youngbood. Before establishing his private practice, he served as an architect for the Texas State General Services Commission. He was also associated with several special projects for the restoration firm of Bell, Klein and Hoffman. He provided design services and specifications for numerous builders of fine homes as well as for an extensive private clientele. His work also included designs for numerous churches and public buildings, including Trinity Episcopal in Marble Falls, the Llano County Lakeshore Library at Buchanan Dam and the original Guaranty Bank in Gatesville . Ray was also known for his great talent in space utiliziton planning and volunteered this talent to the Assistance League of Austin with the layout in their renovation for Operation School Bell at 49th and Burnet Road in Austin. Ray's designs and draftsmanship were works of art. He insisted on staying with his hand crafted originals, never bending to the computerized CAD process. He took pride in knowing and understanding his clients and incorporated space for treasured pieces in their new homes, then remained great friends with clients long after their initial project was completed. Clients continually referred to Ray as a "brilliant architect", one with a "very special talent" for addressing desires of his clients. A true mark of satisfaction with his work was the call for repeat business. At the time of his death he was in the process of his seventh project for one very special client. Ray was also known for his love of food and his prowess as a host. An exceptional gourmet cook, he loved to entertain and possessed a collection of over 1,000 "fine" cookbooks. His brother Joe often said "you don't turn down an invitation to dinner at my brother's house". Ray loved classical music and with his friend Charles Myers enjoyed season tickets for both the Austin Symphony and Austin Lyric Opera performances. A Celebration of Ray's Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 633, Marble Falls, Texas 78654-0633; The Austin Symphony Orchestra, or a charity of your choice.