Francis Ross Payne, Jr.

Francis Ross Payne, Jr. age 70, of Fort Smith, AR died at 7:30 PM June 2, with his wife Patricia at his side. He was born September 20, 1944 in Fort Smith to Francis Ross Payne, Sr. & Thelma May Payne, who preceded him in death. Two brothers also preceded him in death, Terry Ralls & Ken Payne. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Patricia Ann Pearce Payne, niece Tracy Hester & husband Travis, nephew Kenny Payne & wife Misty, nephew Chris Payne & wife Jennifer, four grandchildren, Ethan, Kenzie, Avery, & Emerson, sister-in-law Judy Dodson & husband Jim, & his beloved Bichons, Teddy Bear & Thea.

Native Fort Smithian, graduated from Northside High School in 1962, attended Hendrix University & graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1975. He started an entry level school for Respiratory Care at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lexington, KY. A year later, Sparks Medical Center contacted him regarding the creation of an entry level school for Respiratory Care in Fort Smith. Ross found himself in the unique opportunity of pioneering the education of those who provided respiratory care. His career spanned 49 years, beginning first as an orderly for Sparks Regional Medical Center & later as an “Oxygen Therapist”, then “Inhalation Therapist” & as a Registered Respiratory Therapist, of which he was one of the very first in Arkansas. He counted himself privileged to see over 900 students graduate in the field of Respiratory Care.

His accomplishments included: Certified Respiratory Therapist, Registered Respiratory Therapist, Neo-Natal/Perinatal Respiratory Therapy Care Specialist, and Certified & Registered Pulmonary Functions Technician. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Arkansas VOED Association, the American Society for Respiratory Care, National Board for Respiratory Care, Co-Author of Standards for Respiratory Care Education Programs, Implemented the first School for Respiratory Care in Arkansas at Sparks Regional Medical Center. He was a contributing editor for CV Mosby Company. Author & developer of Associate Degree of Applied Science at WCC, founder of Pulmonary Function Lab at Sparks, served on the NWA Community College Board, member of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Arkansas & American Lung Associations, received the Fort Smith JC Outstanding Service Award, member of the Board of Directors Good Neighbor Foundation at Sparks, developer of the SPIRIT Program at Sparks, Past President of the Arkansas Health Occupations Education, past editor of the Arkansas Respiratory Care Newsletter, Outstanding Service Award Board Member of the Arkansas VOED Association, Respiratory Care Practitioner Leadership Award, Western District, President’s Award AR Society Respiratory Care. He was appointed by then Gov. Bill Clinton to chair the Respiratory Care Licensure Committee for the State of Arkansas. Provided free seminars to area health providers for obtaining yearly CEU’s, developed Accelerated Study Programs in Respiratory Care in Fort Smith, Northwest Arkansas Community College, & the University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Little Rock, & Pine Bluff Campuses.

Ross’ relationship with his Lord Jesus Christ was most important in his life. He lived each day to serve Him. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church & the Uplifters Sunday School Class. In his lifetime, he served as interim Singles Pastor, lay preacher, deacon, & chairman of deacons. He was also a moving force in the development of a prayer breakfast for the International Respiratory Care Congress.

He was also a member of the Sebastian County Humane Society where he & his wife Patty donated oxygen resuscitation masks for pets to be carried on all Fort Smith Fire Trucks. He was a member of the Benton County and Sebastian County Historical Societies. Member of the Arkansas-Boston Mountains Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, served on the committee for the development of the new Fort Smith Convention Center & Fort Smith Library, a longtime supporter of the Fort Smith Chorale, a member of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

His hobbies included gardening, studying the Bible, photography & talking about N gauge railroading to anyone who would listen.

Memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church or to either Sparks Health Systems Respiratory Department Education Programs, or to the Fort Smith Mercy Health Systems Respiratory Department Education programs.

Funeral service will be Friday, June 5, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church Roebuck Chapel. Private Burial will be at the Bentonville Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Thursday, June 4 at the funeral home.

Honorary pallbearers will be his former students.