Earnest Gene Payne

Earnest Gene Payne, better known as "Gene", was born January 28, 1956, in Sulphur, to the late Wilburn Albert & Opal Virgie (Castleberry) Payne. He died on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in Duncan, at the age of sixty-nine. Gene and Lena Elizabeth (Kelley) Thomas were united in marriage on September 3, 1997, in Dardanelle, AR. She preceded him in death on October 30, 2023.

Gene was a native of Sulphur. After graduating from Sulphur High School, Class of 1974, he spent several years working at various jobs in the area. In May of 1995, Gene moved to Duncan, where he went to work for Goodners Grocery, retiring in 2003 as the store manager.

Gene was a devoted husband and took great pride in caring for Lena. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, watching television and playing cards. He was an avid fan of basketball and baseball, an interest that began while in high school. Gene was known for being rather skilled when it came to playing pool and shuffleboard.

Survivors include his five siblings, Faye Hook, L.A Payne & wife Carol, Lee Payne & wife Duan, and Warren Payne, all of Sulphur; as well as a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00PM, on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Hale's Memorial Chapel in Davis.

Services are entrusted to Hale's Funeral Home of Davis.

Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.