Robert James Paine

Robert “Boats” Paine was born on July 15, 1951, in Montebello, California, to the late James Howard Paine and Wilma Marie (Lillard) Paine. After graduating from Charles F. Awalt High School, he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the United States Navy.

Robert held his military service in the highest esteem and carried an enduring pride in having served his country. He often reflected on his time in the Navy, not only the places he had been and the work he had done, but most of all, the men with whom he served. He was stationed in many places and served aboard several vessels, including the USS Pluck, USS Hewitt, USS Halsey, USS Saginaw, and USS Portland. While he served each duty with distinct honor, his time aboard the USS Saginaw became his pride and joy. For Robert, the Navy was more than a career; it was a source of purpose, pride, belonging, and lifelong friendship. He was proud to have worn the uniform, proud of the ships he served aboard, and most of all, proud to have earned the title of shipmate and brother. The friendships he formed with his fellow servicemen never ended when his service did. They remained his brothers, connected by shared experiences, stories, laughter, hardships, and memories that only they could truly understand. The USS Saginaw brotherhood continued to stand beside him through the years, and their friendship endured through distance, time, and changing circumstances until the very end. To Robert, they were never simply former shipmates, they were family. The Navy was woven into the fabric of who Robert was; he never truly left it behind, carrying its pride, memories, and brotherhood with him throughout the rest of his life. Even decades after his retirement, if given the opportunity to serve again, he would have gladly done so.

Following his military career, Robert became a professional truck driver. He eventually settled back in Highland, California, where he devoted himself to caring for his beloved mother. In 2012, he relocated to Abilene, Texas, to be near his daughter.

Robert loved the great outdoors, fishing, and camping. He enjoyed collecting coins, admiring classic cars, attending gun shows and RV shows, and striking up conversations with just about anyone he met. He was a colorful and gifted conversationalist, and wherever Robert went, it was almost guaranteed that a conversation would soon follow. He loved meeting new people and had a way of making an ordinary encounter memorable.

He also loved his pets deeply, and his dogs held a special place in his heart. To Robert, they were family.

Robert lived life on his own terms, with a strong sense of independence and an unmistakable personality. And, true to himself, up until the very end, he did things his way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Chic DeVault; his niece, Dana Ellsworth; and two of the best dogs he ever knew, Jake 1 and Jake the Deuce.

He is survived by his daughters, Stefanie Paine (Christopher Kuhaneck) and Terri Paine-Cameron; stepchildren, Jennifer Mitchell (Craig) and Jason Nelson; his former wife and friend, Cheryl Hampton; his beloved dogs, Sophie and Murphy; and numerous cousins.

The family wishes to acknowledge those who played a role in supporting them throughout the last two years of Robert’s illness: cousin Sharon Camarillo; Sammy and Karen Caldwell, his USS Saginaw brothers, Geoff Jones, Scott Evans, Adam “Chico” Renteria, Glen Valentine, James Howell, Mike Hower, Tim Laskosky, and the rest of the brotherhood; Bill and Tensha Vogel, Bruce and Kathy Parker, Jim and Sherri Payne, Charlie and Missy McClain, Dr. Ogu and Sue, Dr. Oladunni, Fresenius South, Northern Oaks, Ashley and Kimberly with Enhabit Hospice and Destiny with Vital Caring.

Without the combined efforts, kindness, friendship, and support of each of you, our family would not have made it through. We will forever be grateful for the love and care you showed Robert and our family during these difficult years.

At Robert’s request, he will be buried at sea at a later date, surrounded by the waters and the Navy tradition he loved so dearly.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to a veterans service organization of your choice.