Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Gregory Earl Payne was born Dec. 13, 1952, in Bogalusa, to the late Willie and Veda Payne. He departed this life on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at the Veteran Administrative Hospital in Biloxi, Miss. Greg accepted Christ in his early 20s and was baptized by Rev. Carl Austin at Sweet Home Church of Christ Holiness USA in Franklinton.

Greg was a graduate of Bogalusa High and immediately after graduating he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served faithfully for 24 years, serving three overseas assignments. During his tenure, he excelled as a Non-Commission Officer, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant. After retiring, Greg became an avid fisherman.

Greg leaves to mourn his passing: his devoted wife of 46 years, Joyce Thompson Payne; sons, Michael (Talisha) Payne of San Antonio, Texas, Derrick (Angela) Thompson of Bad Kreuznach, Germany, and Reginald Payne of Bogalusa; and two dear and devoted friends, Dr. Mary Cook of Ocean Springs, Miss., and Pastor Earnest Goode of Newport News, Va.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Veda Payne; his son, Cedric Payne; two sisters, Gloria Payne and Ethelle Payne; three brothers, Wardell Payne, Obediah Payne and Lionel Payne; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 15, at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a family hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Cook-Richmond Funeral Home chapel at the Bogalusa location. Interment will be on Friday, July 16, in the Biloxi National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.

Cook-Richmond Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.