Richard Frank Jr. Payne

November 1, 1958 – August 15, 2026

Richard “Rick” Frank Payne Jr., 67, of Paso Robles, California, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 15, 2026, leaving behind a family and community who loved him deeply.

Rick was born on November 1, 1958, in Paso Robles, California, to Richard and Lois Payne. He was raised in Templeton and ultimately made his home in Paso Robles, where he built a life centered around hard work, family, and the people he loved.

Rick was well known throughout the community as the owner and operator of Wyrick’s Plumbing. He poured everything he had into his business and took tremendous pride in his work. Exceptionally skilled at his trade, Rick was the kind of man who could fix just about anything. Mechanical by nature and endlessly resourceful, he had a gift for understanding how things worked—a gift he proudly passed down to his children.

But as much as Rick was known for his work, those closest to him knew that his greatest legacy was his family.

He leaves behind the love of his life, Geralyn Davis; his son, Justin Payne, and wife Kelli; his daughter, Tara Thompson, and husband Ryan; and his four beloved grandchildren, Kyler, Jaxson, Nash, and Henley. To his grandchildren, he was simply Papa—and there was no better Papa.

Rick shared an especially close bond with his son, Justin, who wasn’t only his son, but his best friend. The relationship they shared was one built on love, respect, friendship, and countless memories that will be carried forward for a lifetime.

Rick is also survived by his sisters, Tricia Kauhn and Sarah (Jack) Martin, and his brothers, Todd Payne and David (Yvette) Payne. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Lois Payne.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Rick loved fishing and hunting and was happiest when he could enjoy the outdoors. He grew up playing football basketball and baseball carried his love for sports throughout his life.

Rick was hardworking, compassionate, generous, and deeply loving. He was a man of few words, but the words he did share carried wisdom. He didn’t need to say much for the people around him to know how deeply he cared. He showed his love through what he did—by working hard, fixing what was broken, helping when someone needed him, and always being there for his family.

Those who knew Rick will remember his unmistakable blue eyes, his smile, his quiet wisdom, his capable hands, and the love he had for the people who mattered most to him.

His sudden passing has left a heartbreak that words cannot adequately describe. His absence will be felt forever by those closest to him, but so will his presence—in the lessons he taught, the skills he passed down, the stories that will continue to be told, and the family he loved so fiercely.

Rick was deeply loved, and that love does not end here. He will continue to live on through his children, his grandchildren, and every person whose life was made better simply because he was part of it.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 18 at 11:00 am at Templeton Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life at Templeton Park.