of Little Rock, AR
May 15, 1931 - December 27, 2020
NORMAN JOE PAYNE of Little Rock, 89 Years Young, sprinted into heaven the morning of December 27, 2020 in anticipation of meeting his savior. Our family Patriarch, 'Papa' as he was affectionately called by his friends and family, was born on May 15th, 1931 in the Damascus, Arkansas area. At an early age the family migrated to the Lake Village area where his father and uncles taught him the fine art of 'growing and picking cotton'. Understanding that 'raising cotton' wasn't his lifelong dream dad entered the U.S. Military in the early 50's served our country during the Korean Conflict, stationed in 'Sunny Alaska'. He was a member of our country's 'Greatest Generation' and was extremely proud of his Military Service.
Not long after returning home post-Military Service to Lake Village Norman truly met the love of his life, a young 'Perryville Girl' by the name of Ina Hepp. After a brief courtship the young couple married on December 22, 1953 with last Tuesday marking their 67th year of Norm & Ina's union. Shortly after marriage Norm and Ina brought two rambunctious boys into this world and unfortunately for them Stan and Kenny's antics quickly caused dark hair to begin turning gray. Dad was a fierce St. Louis Cardinal Baseball fan and placing no pressure on the boys he chose to name his sons after Cardinal Hall of Famers, Stan Musial and Kenny Boyer. Needless to say the boys weren't quite up to that challenge!
The most significant event in dad's life was at an early age he dedicated his life to Christ. In the early 60's he entered into the Baptist Seminary with graduation taking place in 1963. For the next 57 years Norman blended his 'day job' of DOT Driver with his 'nighttime job' of ministering God's Word. Whether in the Pulpit, Sunday School Class, Arkansas State Prison System, Nursing Homes, and Long Term Care Facilities Dad spiritually touched and influenced thousands of lives through his ministry and preaching God's word until his recent illness.
Secondary to his Spiritual Passion was his love for his Grandchildren (7) and Great Grandchildren (5) that those two 'Heathen Sons' provided for him. For 40+ years he has been an inspiration and guiding light for this group and because of that they adored him and will miss him greatly.
Norman was predeceased by his parents Ellis & Myra Payne, 6 Brothers and 3 Sisters. He is survived by his wife of 67 Years Ina Payne, one brother Millard Payne (Lisa), two sons Stan Payne (Kathi) and Kenneth Payne (Cheril), Adopted Daughter Lori Payne (Jimmy), Grandchildren Lucas Payne (Verna), Holly Linn (Josh), Jacob Payne (Hannah), Drew Payne (Lily), Lindsay Payne, Jenna Rogers (Josh), and Jessie Estes. Great Grandchildren, Emily, Westan, Winter, Georgia, and Piper, along with dozens of adoring nieces and nephews.
A Private Family Service will be conducted on Wednesday, December 30th. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation in Norman's honor to Antioch Baptist Church in Little Rock.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at 501-224-8300.
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So sorry for your loss. I worked with Norman many years ago at Kroger. We would run into each other in the stores and around the neighborhood from time to time. He was a kind soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
So sad to hear the news. He was/is a special man I had the privilege to know. Always had a smile when I saw him and always made me feel welcomed. Maybe we can do the garden when we meet again! Until then enjoy the glory!
Kenny,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I pray for peace for you and your family. I never met your father but after reading the picture perfect eulogy I'm betting he was a prince of a man. Also I can say that he did a fine job raising the one heathen son that I know :) God bless
Stan and family,
God has blessed us by knowing the Payne family. Jake is like a son of ours. Our Prayers and hearts are with you all.
Jeff and Shelly Gatling
Dear Payne Family. I was saddened to hear of Bro. Norman passing. Of course he is rejoicing today but I know you miss him terribly. My husband was in PHC and Bro Norman always came by to see him. He was a wonderful, Christian man and I enjoyed his sermons and teaching every Tuesday he was able to be there. My prayers are with your family. 🙏❤
Kenny, your Dad was truly a great Christian man and Christian leader with unwavering faith. We know where he is and can only imagine the conversations he's been having with Jesus, family and friends who are already there. I know this is especially tough for Lindsay and Drew, who have lost yet another Grandparent. We're praying for God's peace and comfort for you guys!
Mike and Sharon Spence
The globalization of mcdonaldshome.
Kenny,
Always enjoyed visiting with your Dad when he worked in Customer Service. We had fun going over the the Cardinals game from the night before from the first pitch to the last out. Great memories of him. He will be missed.
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
So sorry to hear of this. We wish the family all the thoughts and prayers, and may God watch over you all during your healing process.
It has been my pleasure to know Uncle Jay, He always had my back through out my life. If ever I needed him he was there. He will be missed and I hope and pray Aunt Fay, Stan , and Kenny are wrapped in Gods Love as well as the rest of Uncle Jay's Grand Children and Great Grand Children. I feel blessed to have had him in my life.
To the Payne Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during one of the single sad moments in your lifes. Glad to read that he prepared for this step in his journey.
Kenny is one of my good friends and I anticipate Norman conducted business with similar grace and class. Unfortunately, never had the opportunity to meet Norman. Maybe KP does not like me that much!
Be comforted in the fact that he is in a better place now. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER the good times as they will allow a smile in a tearful setting.
God Speed to the Family from Brad and Leanne Dunn
Norman was a good friend of my Dad, Larry Harden.
When my Dad passed in 2013, Norman gave the eulogy.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers!
Stan, Kenny aunt Faye I am so sorry for your loss uncle Jay will be missed so much. I can only smile when i think about the great family reunion theyre all having right now.. always praying for the family.I wish i could be there youre all in my thoughts and prayers.
Mr. Payne was always smiling and had a story to tell when I run in to him. I love talking to him great man. Sorry for your families loss.
Kenny,
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I didn't know Mr. Payne very long but based on all of the wonderful messages on this guestbook he was a very special man. My memory of him is every time that I saw him at PWI he was very pleasant & cordial to me as well as others.
My sincere condolences go out to you & the family.
Jerry Arocha
Kenny, Your father was a great man. I had many conversations with him about my dad. He really helped me through a rough time with his words of wisdom about Jesus and forgiveness. I will miss him. I hope that knowing he is with Jesus brings your mother and you and yours comfort in this hard time. It is always easy to tell what kind of dad someone is by the character of his children. You are a living example of your daddy. Stay strong and lean on God. He will not let you down. My family is praying for yours.
Kenny,
The thing that impressed me the most about your dad is that you could see Christ in his eyes.
He's celebrating in Heaven today!
I met Norman (Jay to us) Payne, Ina, Kenny and Stan when I was 7 years old and we all lived in Bellflower, California. That was 53 years ago. It was then, Jay and Ina adopted me as their 'Goddaughter' and we never looked back. He has been the pillar of my life. Never once forgetting my birthday or the holidays and has always been there for anything and everything, anytime. He has been there to walk me through every step of my life, and I am very thankful and grateful for those memories. We openly and honestly have shared life's ups and downs together. He accepted my husband as one of his own for the past 43 years. I am certain God placed him in our lives for a very special reason and he taught me more about God's love and true human kindness than anyone I know. We will be forever grateful for Jay, Ina and the extended family as well. I can't even begin to imagine all the lives he has touched over his lifetime. He was one of a kind. It gives me great comfort knowing how much he loved the Lord (and me and my family) and there is no doubt he was welcomed with open arms (when he sprinted in ;) May the Lord bless us all in appreciating the wonderful man he sent our way as a special example. It would be a wonderful world if all men could be like Mr. Norman (Jay) Payne. Our prayers go out to everyone that was lucky enough to be touched by his presence. And to you Ina, the most precious Godmother in the world, I love you with all my heart ❤
Your Goddaughter,
Ronda Trabue
Love you my brother in Christ. Jay was a small man that carried a big stick. Never saw him without his Bible and he was always willing to share with you God's words. Didn't get to see him often enough but loved him ever.
Kenny, your dad was a wonderful man. It's obvious that he touched so many people in so many profound ways. Ministering Gods word is probably one of the most rewarding and yet difficult roles anyone can choose. His total commitment to family and faith was obvious and enthusiastic. JoBeth and I reach out with prayer to you and your family in this time of grief but but truly believe Norman is smiling down on us all. God Bless.
Truly a great man. He's definitely in the presence of the Lord. My condolences to the whole Payne family.
We didn't not meet him, but knew of his love for Christ and other people by how his son, Stan has raised and loved his wife, Kathi, and their children. I am sure he will be missed and his memories cherished. May God comfort each of you.
He was a special Christian man. Loved visiting with him when he would visit the Seminary.
I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a very honorable person.
Knew him only a short time. I had a great deal of respect for him.
I'm saddened to hear of Norman's passing but happy to think of him with our Lord whom he loved and shared with so many. His generous heart will be remembered and missed. May God bless and comfort you all.
My prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Your husband, father and grandfather ministered to residents at Good Shepherd for many years and touched so many lives there. He was well-loved, appreciated and his passing leaves a void, not only in your lives, but in the lives of many you've never known. He leaves a legacy of which you can be very proud. I pray for you comfort and peace.
He was truly a great man. I know how much you as a family loved him and he knew also. Our prayers are with all of you.
Very fond memories of Mr Payne , deepest sympathy for Ina and the rest of the family . Allof you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I met Norman first when I was waiting on Kenny to get himself ready to go out. Mr. was a very good man and later on Norman to work in the warehouse, Hello had not over the years, Hello was helpful and extremely courteous. Prayers to all family members, I am sure Hello be greatly by all who met him.
The wonderful gentleman left a legacy for the world to remember for years to come. God bless every one of you.
What a wonderful short story that was written so that I could feel like I know your dad (and a little of your mom) and the love of life he had. Thank you for entrusting us with your precious possession.
Renata Jenkins Byler
Mississippi had one of the most impressive starts to the 2020 season of any team in the country, running off a 16-game winning streak after losing on Opening Day. Its hot start included a series win against Louisville and a perfect weekend in East Carolina's LeClair Classic and sent it soaring in the rankings.
The Rebels get the bulk of that team back, including their whole rotation, and could enter 2021 as the SEC West favorites. But they still have important questions to answer and holes to fill going into the new year.
As Ole Miss looks to the spring, here are five questions it faced this fall.
Who will take over on the left side of the infield?
Ole Miss' two biggest losses from its 2020 team were shortstop Anthony Servideo and third baseman Tyler Keenan, who were both drafted in June. That left the left side of the infield wide open this fall for competition.
Coming out of fall ball, the Rebels think they've found some answers. Fourth-year junior Tim Elko is set to move to third base after mostly playing the outfield the last two seasons and freshman Jacob Gonzalez showed that he's ready to take over at shortstop.
It has been my pleasure to know Uncle Jay, He always had my back through out my life. If ever I needed him he was there. He will be missed and I hope and pray Aunt Fay, Stan , and Kenny are wrapped in Gods Love as well as the rest of Uncle Jay's Grand Children and Great Grand Children. I feel blessed to have had him in my life.
To the Payne Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during one of the single sad moments in your lifes. Glad to read that he prepared for this step in his journey.
Kenny is one of my good friends and I anticipate Norman conducted business with similar grace and class. Unfortunately, never had the opportunity to meet Norman. Maybe KP does not like me that much!
Be comforted in the fact that he is in a better place now. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER the good times as they will allow a smile in a tearful setting.
God Speed to the Family from Brad and Leanne Dunn
Norman was a good friend of my Dad, Larry Harden.
When my Dad passed in 2013, Norman gave the eulogy.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers!
Stan, Kenny aunt Faye I am so sorry for your loss uncle Jay will be missed so much. I can only smile when i think about the great family reunion theyre all having right now.. always praying for the family.I wish i could be there youre all in my thoughts and prayers.
Mr. Payne was always smiling and had a story to tell when I run in to him. I love talking to him great man. Sorry for your families loss.
Kenny,
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I didn't know Mr. Payne very long but based on all of the wonderful messages on this guestbook he was a very special man. My memory of him is every time that I saw him at PWI he was very pleasant & cordial to me as well as others.
My sincere condolences go out to you & the family.
Jerry Arocha
Kenny, Your father was a great man. I had many conversations with him about my dad. He really helped me through a rough time with his words of wisdom about Jesus and forgiveness. I will miss him. I hope that knowing he is with Jesus brings your mother and you and yours comfort in this hard time. It is always easy to tell what kind of dad someone is by the character of his children. You are a living example of your daddy. Stay strong and lean on God. He will not let you down. My family is praying for yours.
Kenny,
The thing that impressed me the most about your dad is that you could see Christ in his eyes.
He's celebrating in Heaven today!
I met Norman (Jay to us) Payne, Ina, Kenny and Stan when I was 7 years old and we all lived in Bellflower, California. That was 53 years ago. It was then, Jay and Ina adopted me as their 'Goddaughter' and we never looked back. He has been the pillar of my life. Never once forgetting my birthday or the holidays and has always been there for anything and everything, anytime. He has been there to walk me through every step of my life, and I am very thankful and grateful for those memories. We openly and honestly have shared life's ups and downs together. He accepted my husband as one of his own for the past 43 years. I am certain God placed him in our lives for a very special reason and he taught me more about God's love and true human kindness than anyone I know. We will be forever grateful for Jay, Ina and the extended family as well. I can't even begin to imagine all the lives he has touched over his lifetime. He was one of a kind. It gives me great comfort knowing how much he loved the Lord (and me and my family) and there is no doubt he was welcomed with open arms (when he sprinted in ;) May the Lord bless us all in appreciating the wonderful man he sent our way as a special example. It would be a wonderful world if all men could be like Mr. Norman (Jay) Payne. Our prayers go out to everyone that was lucky enough to be touched by his presence. And to you Ina, the most precious Godmother in the world, I love you with all my heart ❤
Your Goddaughter,
Ronda Trabue
Love you my brother in Christ. Jay was a small man that carried a big stick. Never saw him without his Bible and he was always willing to share with you God's words. Didn't get to see him often enough but loved him ever.
Kenny, your dad was a wonderful man. It's obvious that he touched so many people in so many profound ways. Ministering Gods word is probably one of the most rewarding and yet difficult roles anyone can choose. His total commitment to family and faith was obvious and enthusiastic. JoBeth and I reach out with prayer to you and your family in this time of grief but but truly believe Norman is smiling down on us all. God Bless.
Truly a great man. He's definitely in the presence of the Lord. My condolences to the whole Payne family.
We didn't not meet him, but knew of his love for Christ and other people by how his son, Stan has raised and loved his wife, Kathi, and their children. I am sure he will be missed and his memories cherished. May God comfort each of you.
He was a special Christian man. Loved visiting with him when he would visit the Seminary.
I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a very honorable person.
Knew him only a short time. I had a great deal of respect for him.
I'm saddened to hear of Norman's passing but happy to think of him with our Lord whom he loved and shared with so many. His generous heart will be remembered and missed. May God bless and comfort you all.
My prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Your husband, father and grandfather ministered to residents at Good Shepherd for many years and touched so many lives there. He was well-loved, appreciated and his passing leaves a void, not only in your lives, but in the lives of many you've never known. He leaves a legacy of which you can be very proud. I pray for you comfort and peace.
He was truly a great man. I know how much you as a family loved him and he knew also. Our prayers are with all of you.
Very fond memories of Mr Payne , deepest sympathy for Ina and the rest of the family . Allof you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I met Norman first when I was waiting on Kenny to get himself ready to go out. Mr. was a very good man and later on Norman to work in the warehouse, Hello had not over the years, Hello was helpful and extremely courteous. Prayers to all family members, I am sure Hello be greatly by all who met him.
The wonderful gentleman left a legacy for the world to remember for years to come. God bless every one of you.
What a wonderful short story that was written so that I could feel like I know your dad (and a little of your mom) and the love of life he had. Thank you for entrusting us with your precious possession.
Renata Jenkins Byler
Mississippi had one of the most impressive starts to the 2020 season of any team in the country, running off a 16-game winning streak after losing on Opening Day. Its hot start included a series win against Louisville and a perfect weekend in East Carolina's LeClair Classic and sent it soaring in the rankings.
The Rebels get the bulk of that team back, including their whole rotation, and could enter 2021 as the SEC West favorites. But they still have important questions to answer and holes to fill going into the new year.
As Ole Miss looks to the spring, here are five questions it faced this fall.
Who will take over on the left side of the infield?
Ole Miss' two biggest losses from its 2020 team were shortstop Anthony Servideo and third baseman Tyler Keenan, who were both drafted in June. That left the left side of the infield wide open this fall for competition.
Coming out of fall ball, the Rebels think they've found some answers. Fourth-year junior Tim Elko is set to move to third base after mostly playing the outfield the last two seasons and freshman Jacob Gonzalez showed that he's ready to take over at shortstop.
Elko was having a breakout season in 2020, having established himself as a regular in right field. He hit .354/.373/.667 with three home runs—all career highs. Now, he'll return to third base where he started 11 times as a freshman in 2018.
Coach Mike Bianco noted Elko's breakout has lasted longer than just the abbreviated 2020 spring season. He also had back-to-back strong summers in the Northwoods League and fall ball 'seasons.' While those happened a little bit more under the radar, they represent a larger positive trendline for Elko.
'Our fans haven't seen it as much because of when its happened, but he's had a good couple of years,' Bianco said.
Gonzalez was part of Ole Miss' 21st-ranked recruiting class and ranked No. 299 on the 2020 BA 500, which includes all draft-eligible players. He impressed this fall both at the plate, where he led the team in hitting, and defensively, recording the least errors of any infielder.
Scouts had some questions about Gonzalez defensively before the draft and there was uncertainty about where he would fit best defensively. But he did his best this fall to show he can handle shortstop.
'Initially, we weren't sure where he'd play, but he's really impressed us,' Bianco said. 201819 mark stone game worn helmetottawa senators game used. 'There's a good chance he hits top third of our lineup and plays shortstop.'
Ole Miss has options beyond Elko and Gonzalez. Third-year sophomore Justin Bench can play anywhere on the infield and freshman TJ McCants has the raw tools and athleticism to play up the middle. So, even after losing two standouts on the left side of the infield, Ole Miss is well positioned for 2021.
How will Ole Miss account for losing its top two hitters?
Keenan and Servideo not only locked down the left side of the infield, they were the Rebels two best hitters. Keenan hit .403/.488/.791 with seven home runs, while Servideo hit .390/.575/.695 with five home runs and nine stolen bases.
For nearly every team in the country, losing a pair of hitters who combined for 12 home runs in 2020 would mean having to replace most of the power in their lineup. But Ole Miss led the nation with 37 home runs and again figures to have power threats throughout the lineup.
Work paceteach to be happy birthday wishes. Catcher Hayden Dunhurst hit five home runs as a true freshman and classmate Peyton Chatagnier hit four. First baseman Cael Baker, a junior college transfer, also hit four and four other players hit multiple home runs.
So, there will be no power outage in Oxford. What may be a bit tougher to replace is Servideo's speed. His nine stolen bases ranked second in the SEC and brought dynamism to the top of the order.
But, again, Ole Miss has players who can step up. Jerrion Ealy this fall has rushed for 701 yards as a running back on the football team and showed off his speed on the diamond as a true freshman, stealing five bases. Fellow football player/outfielder John Rhys Plumlee also has plus speed and Bench, Chatagnier and Elko swiped three bases apiece in 2020.
With that group, plus outfielder Hayden Leatherwood (.361/.477/.639, 3 HR), all returning and some key newcomers sprinkled in, Ole Miss should again have a deep, dynamic lineup capable of scoring runs in several different ways.
What's next for the Rebels' rotation?
Ole Miss returns its rotation of lefthander Doug Nikhazy and righthanders Derek Diamond and Gunnar Hoglund. It's a rotation that is among the best in the country and a big part of the reason why there is so much optimism about the Rebels in 2021. So, how is that trio looking after fall ball?
Hoglund and Nikhazy, both third-year sophomores, impressed and are in the mix to be drafted in the top three rounds. Hoglund is regarded as the better pure prospect of the two and took some strides forward this fall. His fastball velocity ticked up, averaging better than 92 mph. His slider, which has been a point of emphasis for him over the last year, improved, as did his changeup.
Nikhazy has been one of the Rebels' best starters throughout his career and started on Opening Day last spring. He again was solid this fall, showing a fastball that averaged better than 90 mph and an improved slider to go with his typically solid changeup and curveball.
Diamond was held out much of the summer due to an injury he suffered in the Northwoods League this summer. While it turned out to just be a sore arm, Ole Miss was cautious with the second-year freshman and limited him to just some live bullpens at the end of the fall. Bianco said Diamond looked good in those sessions, running his fastball up to 93-94 mph.
Overall, it was an encouraging fall for the Rebels' rotation. If it carries that performance into the spring, it'll be difficult for opposing hitters to manage.
Who will step up in the bullpen?
The rotation deservedly garners a lot of attention, but the Rebels' bullpen should not be overlooked. The group helped Ole Miss post a 2.92 ERA in the spring and will again be leaned on in 2021.
There will again be plenty of depth in the bullpen for the Rebels. Closer Braden Forsyth is returning after saving five games in his first season in Oxford after transferring from junior college. So too are Taylor Broadway (2-0, 0.56), Max Cioffi (0-0, 0.00) and Austin Miller (2-0, 2.08), who all made at least six appearances.
Stick Rpgadcock Games By: Austin Adcock Football
Bianco said Broadway, now a fifth-year senior, has been even better this fall.
'His stuff continues to get better and better,' Bianco said. 'I think he would have been a big piece out of the bullpen for us last year. He was the most dominant pitcher outside of those three starters.'
Bianco is also encouraged by the progress of second-year freshman Wes Burton, who showed promise in the spring, and fifth-year senior Greer Holston, who has scuffled the last two seasons. Add in promising newcomers like freshmen righthanders Cody Adcock and Cole Baker, and junior college transfer Brandon Johnson, and the Rebels should have plenty of depth on the pitching staff.
Stick Rpgadcock Games By: Austin Adcock Play
What will Ole Miss' football/baseball duo provide this spring?
Understandably, one of the biggest questions about the Rebels going into 2021 involves a pair of players who have spent the fall practicing with their football teammates and not their baseball teammates.
Ealy and Plumlee came to Ole Miss a year ago with upside both on the gridiron and diamond, but due to the abbreviated spring season have had much more opportunity to show it in football than baseball. Ealy hit .182/.321/.273 with five stolen bases in 13 games (six starts) in the spring, while Plumlee hit .063/.111/.063 with a stolen base in 13 games (two starts).
Ealy has impressed this fall, running for 701 yards and nine touchdowns in eight games. He's added 14 catches for 136 yards and a touchdown. Plumlee last year took over as the starting quarterback as a true freshman, but this year under first-year coach Lane Kiffin he lost the job to Matt Corral and has served as the backup.
Stick Rpgadcock Games By: Austin Adcock Basketball
The duo will be back on the diamond in the spring and in the outfield mix. As Ealy and Plumlee did last year, they have come to the baseball facility in their free time to hit. It's impossible to know how they will react in the spring after not getting as many baseball reps as their teammates, but both have the ability to make a big impact for the Rebels.
Stick Rpgadcock Games By: Austin Adcock Baseball
For Ealy, the spring is especially important. MLB's decision to push the draft back a month to coincide with all-star weekend in July made him eligible for the 2021 draft. For a two-sport athlete who could play professionally in either sport, that could force him to make an earlier than expected decision about his long-term future.
