Gary Paul Payne passed away in his home on August 17, 2025 at the age of 57. Visitation will be held at Antioch Baptist Church in Bells, Texas on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 1pm – 2pm and the funeral service to directly follow at 2pm.
Gary was born to Arthur Lee Payne and Mary Ann (Cravens) Payne on February 15, 1968 in Denison, Texas. His mom called him her “little Valentine”.
Gary was a dedicated member of the Bells I.S.D. School Board for over 20 years and was a true advocate for all kids and what was best for them and their future. Gary loved all sports, especially football, and was the announcer of the Bells Panthers football games. Gary worked for Denison I.S.D. as a Maintenance Welder where he was able to show off his skills of being able to fix anything that was needed just how he had always done for his family.
The one thing Gary loved more than the Bells Panthers was his family. Gary met his wife Shannon in the Seventh grade on August 23rd and that is when they started going steady. Gary and Shannon had been together ever since making it 43 years together and 37 years married. During their time together, they had a son, Coltin and a daughter, Addisyn. Coltin and his wife, Kelsey, had three beautiful daughters, Abigail, Madilyn, and Josie, changing Gary from “The Best Dad” to “The Best Poppy”.
Gary is preceded in death by parents Arthur “Lee” and Mary “Ann” Payne; brothers: Art “Butch” and Michael Payne; grandmother: Ora Cravens “Granny”; In-laws, Charles and Jeanell Harris; grandmother-in-law; Jeanette “Granny T” Turbeville; brother-in-law, Bob Robertson; nephew, Travis Sloan and several other extended family members, friends, and fur babies.
Gary was survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Shannon Payne of Bells; son, Coltin (Kelsey) Payne of Bells; daughter, Addisyn Payne of Bells; granddaughters, Abigail, Madilyn, and Josie Payne of Bells; siblings, Linda Robertson of Sherman, Lisa (Jerry) Powers of Denison, Dana (Cecil) Cassell of Denison, Ellen (Tommy) Carter of Bells, Mark (Vannessa) Payne of Luella; sister-in-laws, Tammy Wells of Bells, Juli Payne of Denison, Martha Payne of Sherman; brother-in-law, Terry (Debbie) Harris of Commerce; along with 11 nieces and nephews, 22 great-nieces and great-nephews, one great,great nephew, several friends, and his beloved dog Pete.
Gary (Poppy) was a loving husband, devoted father/Poppy, and loyal friend who will be greatly missed. We are comforted to know he is with the Lord and reunited with his passed family and friends.
Sorry for your loss. I wish I could have been there to celebrate with you the memories of your late father.
Shannon , I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was a great friend and a great person, he will be sorely missed by many. It was an honor to have known him and to have had the pleasure to coach with him as well as serve on the school board with him. If there is ever anything you need from me please reach out.
Addison,I have thought about you everyday.
Shannon, Coltin & family we are sorry for your loss and are thinking of you. You are in our prayers.
My sincere condolences to you Shannon and your loving family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Payne family.
Gary was a good man. Praying for his family,friends,and all his former and current coworkers during this difficult time.
Sending love and prayers to the family. Gary was a good man. He was kind and loving and will be missed by many.
To the entire Payne family, we are devastated by the loss of Gary. He was a pillar of the community and we are grateful for knowing him and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gary and Brenda Pedigo
Gary did so much for the community and the schools in Bells for many years. He sure will be missed here!
Shannon we were totally shocked when we heard of Gary’s passing. Gary’s was a great man and servant of God, his family and the community. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him. We are so sorry for you and your family in this loss. Cherish all your memories!
Gary-
I still can’t believe you’re gone. You were such a big part of my high school years, and I’ll always be grateful for the memories we shared. You’ll always have a place in my heart. So many memories May you rest in peace.
Shannon and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Gary was a kind and wonderful person. Cherish your memories and look forward to seeing him and your loved ones again to live together for eternity. May GOD comfort you and give you peace. ❤️🙏❤️
Shannon and family I am so sorry to hear about Gary passing. The whole family is in my prayers.
Shannon and Family,
You and the Family are in my prayers and thoughts. Your Family they are there for you all.
Much love