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Ralph Payne Obituary
Ralph was born in Montgomery County, TN, on February 21, 1938, to the late Ralph Payne and Aline Miller. In addition to his parents, Ralph is preceded in death by his son, Steven Lee Wooten and daughter, Anna Lee Wooten.
Ralph had a deep love for singing; his passion shone through in his soulful voice and the many quartets he sang with throughout his life. Ralph opened Clarksville's first unisex salon; he was a master barber for over 68 years and founded Queen City College. He was known as one of Clarksville's most trusted barbers and instructors.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Laura Wooten Payne; children, Cathy Finney (Pat), Michael Payne (Carol), Brandie Gross (Paul), Eddie McNamara, and Aaron Lee Payne; sister, Joy Martin (Herb); 17 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Neal Tarpley Parchman Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and Friday, October 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM until the hour of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow Friday service at Marion United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Garrett Finney, Michael Payne Jr., Tony Polanco, Joey Polanco, Tyler Polanco, Bradley Polanco, Aaron Payne, and Joshua Payne.
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Funeral services provided by:
Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home - Clarksville1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040
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