Newman Ward Payne

Memoriam

Newman Ward Payne, age 78, of Gordo, died June 24, 2015, at Hospice of West Alabama. Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 2015 at Five Mile Primitive Baptist Church in Akron with Elder Luke Laird and Doug Meyerdirk officiating. Burial will follow in Five Mile Primative Baptist Church Cemetery with Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home South directing. Visitation will be Saturday, June 27, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mr. Payne was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Pate Parker Payne; parents, Rodolph and Rosa Payne; sisters, Eleanor Abernathy and Oneil Burke; and brothers, Winfred and Fredrick (Gene) Payne.

Survivors include daughters, Rita Payne Parker (Gary), Patti Payne Meyerdirk (Doug), Kim Parker Lydick (Jon), and Candy Parker Chapman (Jamie); and son, Jeff Parker (Cathy); sisters, Gennette Payne Sumrall and Bonnie Payne Haney; and brother, Charles Payne (Joyce); 17 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Fighting many health battles during his adult life, he overcame health-related challenges again and again. Surviving serious illnesses including a brain aneurysm, open heart surgery leading to removal of his sternum, Barrett's esophagus, diabetes, kidney cancer and a massive stroke, he succumbed to complications of cancer.

A native of Moundville, Mr. Payne became a resident of Gordo 31 years ago, where he also became a true Gordo Green Wave fan. Upon learning of his passing, immediate reactions included, ""…what a character…resilient…loved life."" He loved spending time with family, cheering on the Crimson Tide and attending his church. He enjoyed listening to Gospel music, especially during the final weeks.

Pallbearers will be Chad Payne, Chuck Payne, Gregg Haney, Arthur Voss, Bill Payne, Bo Chapman, Nelson Segura and Ronnie Sumrall. Honorary pallbearers are Heather Khune, Scott Burke and members of Gordo's Table of Knowledge.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Five Mile Primitive Baptist Church/Lance Hocutt, Treasurer,15368 Timber Springs Lane, Moundville, AL 35474.