Rodney Payne

We are sad to announce Rodney Payne, son of Bobbie Jean Proctor and late Robert William Payne, brother of the late Mark Payne, and son-in-law to James Carlton Richter, passed away on November 9, 2021, at age 62. Rodney was born in Carlsbad, New Mexico, on April 29, 1959, and is survived by his wife of 30 incredible years, Karen and their children, Amy and Marc Pfalzgraf, James and Connie Latham, Taylor Payne, Ashlei and Tyler Dawsey; grandchildren Zoe Madrid, Sydney Latham, Maggie Latham, Grace Pfalzgraf, Elizabeth Pfalzgraf, and Joshua Pfalzgraf.

His four in the morning wake-up calls, coffee, and pancakes ready to go, led his family into the world every day with bellies full and love in their hearts. You'd pull up a chair to watch the sunrise with him just before grabbing a fishing pole and hitting the beach. Challenges he welcomed, people he taught, vegetables he hated, and adventure he craved. But Jalapeno, cayenne, habanero - it didn’t matter - he would have tried it. His generosity and love created families worldwide, from China to Germany and beyond; his amigos are his amigos forever. 

To many, Rodney was the one to turn to during times of adversity as his mere presence was palpable and powerful. His smirk of approval was all one needed to be assured about anything- especially when you're his teammate in cornhole, and you've just won twice in a row. Undoubtedly, Rodney revelled in the beauties of life and the people that surrounded him.

Rodney's love of life did not end with his passing as it was contagious and lives on with everyone he knew. Compassionate and giving, Rodney never missed an opportunity to pop into a local blood drive and donate. Those t-shirts were some of his favorites. He loved supporting school functions for his children and grandchildren and always was sure to give to the Wounded Warrior Foundation and Tunnels to Towers Foundation. 

His insatiable desire for growth was proved as he burned the midnight oil in the plains of Odessa as a young man building an empire of business with a global expanse. Rodney fully devoted himself to his work. Success in his mind was inevitable and the only option. To those that worked alongside him, they know this is true. His hands were rough but gentle, and he was determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. Rodney was unendingly proud of all his children, some not even his own, but treated them as such and always supported them. He is “Dad.” To everyone.

Sharing a glass of whiskey at sunset with his wife was the end-all-be-all to an incredible day's work of love and fearlessness. Rodney never lacked the appreciation for Earth’s beauty or failed to express it. We couldn't beat him at poker, he was the best driver there was, and was king of the grill. His character made him special, a man unlike many, he lived well, laughed often and gained the respect of every stranger. This "Payne" will be forever missed and remembered in the brightest light he left within us. We will continue to look up to him, ask ourselves what he would do, and reminisce about our time and love shared with him; our husband, dad, grandpa, friend, and ol' reliable, Rodney Payne.

Join us for Rodney's Service via Live Stream

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1636685301147794

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