David Payne Sr.

David Wayne Payne, Sr., age 72, of Bonaire, GA, and formerly of Shreveport, LA, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2026. He was born onn May 24, 1954, in Shreveport, LA, to Ernest Tarver “E.T.” and Virginia “Ruth” Kirkpatrick Payne.

Dad lived life with joy and a competitive streak. He loved bowling, golf, and horseshoes, and he was never happier than when a game was on the line. A true car enthusiast, he could talk classic cars with anyone, especially Camaros and Dodge Chargers. And he never passed up a trip to the casino, where he was always ready to take a chance, particularly when he was winning more than the rest of us.

Dad retired from General Electric after 28 years of service and later worked part-time at Bobby Greene Plumbing and Serco. He was a friend to everyone he met, and he was happiest surrounded by family and friends at the bowling alley. He loved helping others and always had some profound wisdom to share with his sons, his extended family, and his many friends.

Above all, he was devoted to his family. He leaves behind a great legacy of four children, 12 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, a fact he was rightfully proud of and shared with everyone.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Tarver “E.T.” and Virginia “Ruth” Kirkpatrick Payne; his older brother, Ernie Payne; and his beloved wife, Marie Payne.

He is survived by his children, David W. Payne, Jr. (Kate), Danny Payne (Laura), Chris Payne (Tara), and Nick Payne; his brother-in-law Timmy Bradford (Korinna); and his sisters-in-law Lottie Grice and Peggy Payne.

Grandchildren: Lauren Dean; Alex Payne (Nat); Nicole Macias (Benny); Riley Payne; Avery Payne; Elizabeth Payne; Zach Payne; Emma Payne; Ethan Payne; Miles Payne; Audrey Anna Payne; and Gracelynn Payne.

Great-grandchildren: Colton Dean, Bailey Dean, and Elijah Macias.

Visitation will be Sunday, November 22nd, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM CST, at Forest Park Funeral Home, 1201 Louisiana Ave, Shreveport, LA 71101. A graveside service will follow Monday, November 23rd, at 11:00 AM CST, at Forest Park Cemetery, 3700 St. Vincent Ave., Shreveport, LA 71103.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Gentiva Foundation to support the Hospice Benevolent Fund. The family is grateful to the caregivers who supported Dad in his final days. Donations may be made online at gentivahs.com or mailed to The Gentiva Foundation, 3350 Riverwood Parkway SE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30339. Please include “Hospice Benevolent Fund – In Memory of David W. Payne, Sr.” on the memo line.