Billy Payne

Billy Gene Payne, born in Van, Texas on September 17, 1930, went to be with his Maker on Friday, March 4, 2011, surrounded by his loving family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wylie and Hester Payne, his two brothers, J.W. and Wilburn Payne, and his two sisters, Catherine McMillan and Francis Long. Those left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of fifty-seven years, Wanda, daughter Jeanine Trantham and her husband Joe, son Mark Payne and his wife Pam, daughter Teresa Speer and her husband Duane, and daughter Ginger Sharp and her husband Marc. He also left behind seven grandsons, five granddaughters, and two great-grandsons. He is also survived by his brother Bobby Jack Payne.

He served in the Army working with the early radar systems that guarded New York during the Korean War. Never intimidated by the challenges of a new job, he worked in many different areas from repairing bicycles to overseeing the installation of aviation equipment in twin turbine jets. When a job ceased to be a challenge to him, he would move on and find a new project. In the 1980’s, along with his wife and brother Bobby Jack, he built West Texas Cable Company and helped to bring cable TV to much of west Odessa. After selling the cable company in 1986, he spent the next twenty years building a ranch on the Brazos River near Mineral Wells, tending to the cows and enjoying his friends, family and grandkids. A dedicated employee and employer, he knew there was much more to this life than just work. He took time to enjoy life and those around him. He always had time for others and would give you the shirt off his back, loan you his tractor or just help you do whatever needed to be done. A generous and caring man, he always looked for the good in others while uplifting and inspiring those around him.

Visitation with the family will be from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 7, 2011, at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.

Funeral services officiated by David Fowler, pastor of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, will be held on Tuesday, March 8, at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home in Odessa.