Thurman Winston Payne's Obituary
Thurman Winston Payne was born June 20, 1940, in Luling, Texas, to parents Thurman Payne and Cloma Hanson Payne. He passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, in Longview, Texas, at the age of 84.
Coming from humble beginnings, Winston’s life was marked by accomplishment, faith and family.
Graduating in the 1958 class of Pine Tree High School, he excelled on the gridiron and was voted “Mr. Pine Tree” by the student body. At an early age, he developed a life-long love affair with all things outdoors – hunting, fishing, trapping – he was a true outdoorsman. In addition to these and because he was never one to sit around idly, his interests and hobbies also included: wood carving, flint knapping, gardening, knife making, bullet reloading/shooting and avid reading.
He married Donna Covin, the love of his life, on June 30, 1979, and they shared over 45 blessed years together as they forged a life of unity, perseverance and precious memories. From building their log home together on acreage east of Hallsville, to time spent in West Texas near San Angelo, then on to the suburbs of Houston in Deer Park – they never lacked for adventure. Eventually relocating back to the Longview area, they made their home a center of love based on Christian principles.
Winston accepted Christ as his savior at the age of 6, living confidently with the security of his salvation. He was a member of The Church at West Mountain where he served as an elder, during which time he studied and presented the case for Creation versus Evolution.
Winston retired from Eastman Chemical Company, Epolene Department, in 1996 after 32 years of service and began a new chapter in his life. He spent several years working as a hunting guide on the Baker 3 Ranch near Rocksprings, Texas. He and fellow guide, Johnny Woods, were always able to make their hunters’ experience unforgettable. The friendships and memories made there cemented his status as “Legend”, and he surely won’t be forgotten!
Always ready with a story and quick-witted, those who knew him were entertained with his vast knowledge and homespun wisdom.
Tributes to Winston include: “he was one of a kind”, “they don’t make ‘em like him anymore”, “a great man and friend”, “led by example” – it was a blessing to know him!
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Walter Raymond Payne and daughter, Laura Payne Pelaia.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife Donna, sons Rick Payne, Jim Payne, Carl Covin and daughter Susan Payne Laferney and husband Stacy. Winston was blessed to have 15 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 2 nephews and 1 niece.
Services are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. The family will receive friends Friday evening, January 17, from 5-7 pm in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be held at 11am Saturday, January 18, 2025, at The Church at West Mountain, Gilmer, Texas, with Pastor Eric Trimble officiating. There will be a private family graveside service at Mattox Cemetery, Diana, Texas, at 2pm.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to The Church at West Mountain Building Fund or Mission Fund.
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