Robert Payne

Robert "Bob" F. Payne, Sr. age 78, of Blytheville, passed from this life Sunday, July 26, 2015 at his home. He was born to William H. and Louella (Tate) Payne in the Ekron Community, and was a lifelong area resident. Robert retired from Terra Chemical Company. He was a U. S. Army veteran, and an active member of the North Tenth Street Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He also served as chairman of the building committee when the sanctuary of the North Tenth Street Baptist Church was constructed. Robert loved music, and loved to sing. He was the music director at Dell Baptist Church for many years and North Tenth Street Baptist Church. He and his wife sang together at church many years, and he also sang in the North Tenth Street Baptist Church Quartet. Robert was a past school board member for Dell Public Schools, and an avid collector of toy tractors, especially Farmall tractors. He loved genealogy and wrote two books on the Payne and the Tate families. He was a dedicated Christian man that loved his Lord and his family. He cherished his grandchildren and great granddaughter, and spent as much time with them when they were growing up as possible. Survivors include the love of his life, Loretta Yvonne (Sigman) Payne, whom he married August 30, 1956. Two sons, Robert F. "Bobby" Payne Jr. and his wife Deanna of Blytheville, and Mark Payne and his wife Cheryl of Searcy; two brothers, Johnny Payne and wife Betty, and Russell Payne and wife Helen all of Blytheville; one sister, Doris Williams and husband Clark of Metropolis, Illinois; a brother-in-law, Earl Sigman, Jr. and wife Sandy of Ash Flat, Arkansas; a sister-in-law, Carla Sigman Nelson of Dell; two grandchildren, Ross Payne and Morgan Payne; one great great granddaughter, Analysa Rose Payne; a special care giver Deana Greer; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Wayne Payne, three sisters, Harriett Seiford, Virginia Duncan, Wilma Payne, and a special nephew, Mark Alan Nelson whom he loved as a grandson. Funeral services will be 10:30 am Thursday, July 30, 2015 in Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Max Briley officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Wednesday 5:00-7:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to North Tenth Street Baptist Church. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.