Russell Vernon Payne Jr.

Russell Vernon “Rusty” Payne, Jr., 86, passed away at his home on Sunday, June 9, 2024.

Memorial Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in White’s Chapel of Memories, 130 Houston Ave., Weatherford.

Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2024 in White’s Chapel of Memories.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Rusty’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, First Presbyterian Church of Breckenridge, Texas, or a charity of your choice.

Russell was born January 26, 1938 in Houston, Texas, to Russell Vernon Payne, Sr. and Rebecca (Dunn) Payne, and they moved to Breckenridge, Texas when he was a child. He graduated from Breckenridge High School, and then Texas Technological University in 1961. Rusty proudly and honorably served his country in the United States Army and in the Army National Guard until his honorable discharge in 1964. He then began his career as a Certified Public Accountant in Lubbock, Texas. Rusty practiced in Fort Worth for over 50 years, first with a national firm and later he opened his own firm.

Rusty was a lifelong Presbyterian and served as an elder in Grace First Presbyterian Church in Weatherford and then at First Presbyterian Church in Breckenridge.

Rusty’s integrity in his career, his devotion to God, his family, and country leaves a remarkable legacy.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Rebecca Payne; and father, Russell V. Payne, Sr.

Rusty is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sarah; daughters, Rebecca Jean Hogan, Melinda Joyce Payne and husband, Will Rigby; son, George Sterling Payne and wife, Pamela Payne; grandchildren, Jack Hogan, Waylon Rigby, Nolan Rigby, and Sterling Payne; along with many extended family members, church family and dear friends.