Gary Paul Payne

Gary Paul Payne passed away in his home on August 17, 2025 at the age of 57. Visitation will be held at Antioch Baptist Church in Bells, Texas on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 1pm – 2pm and the funeral service to directly follow at 2pm.
Gary was born to Arthur Lee Payne and Mary Ann (Cravens) Payne on February 15, 1968 in Denison, Texas. His mom called him her "little Valentine".
Gary was a dedicated member of the Bells I.S.D. School Board for over 20 years and was a true advocate for all kids and what was best for them and their future. Gary loved all sports, especially football, and was the announcer of the Bells Panthers football games. Gary worked for Denison I.S.D. as a Maintenance Welder where he was able to show off his skills of being able to fix anything that was needed just how he had always done for his family.
The one thing Gary loved more than the Bells Panthers was his family. Gary met his wife Shannon in the 7th grade on August 23rd and that is when they started going steady. Gary and Shannon had been together ever since making it 43 years together and 37 years married. During their time together, they had a son, Coltin and a daughter, Addisyn. Coltin and his wife, Kelsey, had three beautiful daughters, Abigail, Madilyn, and Josie, changing Gary from "The Best Dad" to "The Best Poppy".
Gary is preceded in death by parents Arthur "Lee" and Mary "Ann" Payne; brothers: Art "Butch" and Michael Payne; grandmother: Ora Cravens "Granny"; Parents-in-law: Charles and Jeanell Harris; Grandmother-in-law; Jeanette Turbeville "Granny T"; brother-in-law: Bob Robertson; Nephew: Travis Sloan and several other extended family members, friends, and fur babies.
Gary was survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Shannon Payne of Bells; son, Coltin (Kelsey) Payne of Bells; daughter, Addisyn Payne of Bells; granddaughters, Abigail, Madilyn, and Josie Payne of Bells; siblings, Linda Robertson of Sherman, Lisa (Jerry) Powers of Denison, Dana (Cecil) Cassell of Denison, Ellen (Tommy) Carter of Bells, Mark (Vannessa) Payne of Luella; sister-in-laws, Tammy Wells of Bells, Juli Payne of Denison, Martha Payne of Sherman; brother-in-law, Terry (Debbie) Harris of Commerce; along with 11 nieces and nephews, 22 great-nieces and great-nephews, 1 great-great nephew, several friends, and his beloved dog Pete.
Gary (Poppy) was a loving husband, devoted father/Poppy, and loyal friend who will be greatly missed. We are comforted to know he is with the Lord and reunited with his passed family and friends.