Robert M. Payne
September 15, 1937 ~ February 5, 2009
Major Robert M. Payne, U.S. Marine Corps, retired, 71, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2009 at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center.
Major Payne was born September 15, 1937 in Westerly, Rhode Island, the son of the late Moses and Sarah McKinney Payne.
As a teenager in Westerly, Rhode Island, he played in the First Little League World Series in 1950. He later graduated from Westerly High School in 1955. Major Payne then attended Springfield College where he lettered in three sports, football, baseball, and basketball and was also in the ROTC. He graduated from Springfield College in 1959 and began his 20 year career in the USMC. After completion of Officers Training in Quantico, Virginia, Major Payne became a pilot of the A-4 Skyhawk. He was involved in the Cuban Blockade and Vietnam War flying more than 364 successful missions. Later in his military career, Major Payne was stationed in Pensacola, Florida, as a Flight Instructor. Upon retirement from the USMC, Major Payne became a PGA Golf Professional working at the Dunes Club and Myrtle Beach National Golf Courses. Major Payne also was a substitute teacher at both Myrtle Beach Middle and Myrtle Beach High School.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Janice M. (Volosin) Payne, are two sons, Christopher Payne of Myrtle Beach, Bobby Payne and his wife, Christy, of Stillwater, Okla.; three daughters, Stephanie Payne of Myrtle Beach, Heidi Payne of Westerly, R.I., Wendy Ayers and her husband, Brian, of Keene, N.H.; his brother, Russ Payne and his wife, June, of Wellsville, Pa.; his sister, Gladys Stevenson of Wayne, Ill.; and his four grandchildren, Joey Payne, Alli Ayers, Kate Ayers and Evan Ayers.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, February 9, 2009 at Hillcrest Mausoleum Chapel.
Burial with full military honors will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, February 8, 2009 at McMillan-Small Funeral Home.
An online register is available at www.msfh.net and at MyrtleBeachOnline.com.
McMillan-Small Funeral Home of Myrtle Beach is serving the family.
Janice, Christopher & Stephanie, We were very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. After reading about his accomplishments in both his civilian and military career, we realized just how humble he was. How proud you must be to have had him as your husband and father. We always enjoyed visiting with Bob at the family reunions. We are also sorry that we were not able to attend his funeral, but please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. May his memory be eternal. With love, John, Sue, Elle and Eliza
I am so sorry of your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I remember Bob as a great story teller and companion at all the reunions!
Janice, Chris and Stephanie, I was deeply saddened to hear about the death of Bob. I know how difficult this must be for everyone. I just want you all to know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Sorry I cannot be there in this time of great need but we will see each other sooner rather than later. May God bless you and your family during this time and always, -Bryan
Janice, Christopher and Stephanie, We are sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy. Valerie and Mike Comer
Janice, My deepest sympathy to you Christopher and Stephanie. The Riffee family has tremendous faith in you at this time. Please let us know if we can do anything for you. Love, Karen