1921
2017
Ralph William Payne
Heaven welcomed home another Marine from the greatest generation as Ralph William Payne went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 29, 2017. Ralph, or "RW" as he was known by his friends, was born to John and Martha Payne on June 12th 1921 in Charleston, West Virginia and was the eldest of their four children. He was preceded in death by his brother Jack Payne and sisters Maxine West and Joann Hammond. Ralph was married to Genevieve Young Payne for 63 years prior to her passing on January 2, 2016. He is survived by their son Greg Payne, his wife Darcy and their children Seth, Anna and Rachel. Ralph is also survived by his nieces, Kate Yancy, Nan Milholen, Mindy Young and his nephews Scott West, John Payne and Mike Payne.
Ralph proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during WWII and the Korean War. He was in the South Pacific theater with the 1st division as a crew chief flying DC47 transports. In Korea he was with the 20th engineers at Chosin Reservoir.
Ralph served as president of the Myrtle Grove Community Club (now the Myrtle Grove Sports Complex) and worked tirelessly for many years in its beginning when they had only one field. He was a faithful, long time member of Fairfield Presbyterian Church and was blessed to be part of such a loving and compassionate congregation. Our family is very grateful to the staff at Broadview Assisted Living and to everyone at Covenant Hospice who cared for him. He was shown great respect and compassion during the time you cared for him and for us as a family.
A celebration of Ralph's life will be held on Wednesday December 6th at Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Please join us from 1-2 pm for visitation followed by a service at 2 pm led by Pastor Ralph LaGuardia. In lieu of flowers Ralph requested that donations be made to Wounded Warrior Project.
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Sponsored by Pensacola Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home - Pensacola.
3 Entries
Greg, Sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I have many fond memories of him from growing up on Teakwood Dr. My deepest sympathy. Cindy Tennant-Smith...one of the Teakwood girls!
December 6, 2017
Extended condolences and sympathy. Thank you for your USMC service.
RD Legionnaires Am Legion Post 378
December 4, 2017
May God be with the family during this most difficult time.
legionnaires American Legion
December 4, 2017
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Pensacola Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home - Pensacola7433 Pine Forest Rd, Pensacola, FL 32526
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Pensacola Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home - Pensacola7433 Pine Forest Rd, Pensacola, FL 32526
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Pensacola Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home - Pensacola7433 Pine Forest Rd, Pensacola, FL 32526
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