John Gilbert Payne Jr.

Jan 12, 1941 - Dec 31, 2015

Sonny was born in Jackson, Mississippi to John Sr. and Mabel Payne. He was the eldest of three; Sandra and Billy arrived soon after.

He attended Pearl High School until 1958, when he joined the U.S. Navy. There he became a Frogman, an MP, and learned the skill of welding. He served on the USS St. Clair County (LST 1096) from 1958-1961 as a Diesel Engineer - Oiler. He earned a Good Conduct Medal in 1961. Shortly after Sonny was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy he married Jacquelyn Thompson (Jackie) on Jan 13, 1962. She was the light of his life until her passing Nov 6, 2007. He provided for his family by working several jobs; even moving his family to Singapore from 1973-1975 to work for Camco on the oil rigs. In 1975 he moved his family to Oregon where he worked as a Welder/Millwright for Reynolds Metals Co in Troutdale, 1976-2000. He then started long-haul trucking with Arrow Transport, Bates Trucking, and retiring from FedEx in 2012.

When he wasn't working he was enjoying the outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting, camping, and gardening. From the late 1970's through the early 1990's he belonged to the Pacific Northwest 4-Wheel Drive Association. He loved dirt tracks, mud races, and volunteering throughout the Northwest. One of his favorite volunteering opportunities was being a Float Driver for the Portland Rose Festival Parade for over 10 years. One of his favorite years driving he was atop the float dressed as Hobo the Clown. Another favorite was in 1988, Sonny and Jackie drove a float in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade in Anaheim, CA on New Year's Day before the Rose Bowl.

Sonny was a true southern gentleman who believed in hard work, respect for others, and being with family. He often spoke about how good life was when he was with family and being with his grandchildren & great-grandchildren were good for his heart. Sonny will be missed terribly by his family, friends, co-workers, and will forever be in their hearts. It brings peace to his family to know that he is again with the love of his life, Jackie, for their birthdays and wedding anniversary. Their love is strong and something to celebrate.

Sonny was survived by his children, Joseph Payne, Jerry (Colleen) Payne, James Payne, Jennifer (David) Dillman, Jayme Payne (Gary Miltimore). His sister Sandra (Junior) Sweeney, his brother Billy (Carolyn) Payne, niece Nancy, and Darrel Smith Sr. His In-laws, whom he was very close with; Chuck (Dixie) Thompson, Chet (Linda) Thompson, Georgine (Ben) Henson and Goldie Snellgross. His grandchildren, Christine (Tony) Pfiel, Ryan Payne, Samuel Hardaway, Rebecca (Cilxusasqet Sr) Friedlander, Kyle (Shawna) Payne, Zachery (Kelsey) Keller-Payne, Brandin Keller, Shelbie Keller, Domonic Payne, Jessica McGehee, Adam, Breanna, Kylie, & McKenzi Miltimore. He is also survived by his 11 great-grandchildren; Alissa Faas & Madyson Pfiel; Cilxusasqet Jr, Qalch'ema, St'xalq, & K'eghun Qeshqa Friedlander; Raven & Raina Payne; Avalee & Hendrix Keller-Payne. Sonny's newest great-grandson is due very soon.