Raymond George Payne, 76, of Katy, TX passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at home under the care of Advantage Hospice.  Born on October 22, 1938 in Poplar Grove, Ark., and was a volunteer fireman in Mariana, Ark.  He served as a Seaman aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Ranger from March 1957 through 1959.

Raymond was a business man having first owned an Exxon service station in Mariana, Ark. and in Texas, a Gulf Station on Kirkwood and I-10 until 1980.  He then purchased the Brookshire Steak House, Tex Burger and a Texaco in downtown Katy.  He retired from Sparkletts Water.

He loved to fish and hunt.  He love for barbeque, catfish, and fried green tomatoes always brought a smile to his face.  He would tell his grandkids often to “come give me a tickle” or give me some corn”.  Ray loved the Katy Tigers!  He supported the FFA, was a committee man for the Katy Rodeo and supported the booster clubs.  Ray sponsored youth sports and coached his son’s baseball teams.  He was a member of the Lions Club and supported the Houston and Katy Police and Fire Departments.

He married Laura Mitchell in 1962 who preceded him in death in 2011 and was preceded by his parents, Charles S. and Grace (nee Campbell); three sisters, Victoria, Grace and Betty Sue; and two brothers, Charles and Ross.  Survivors include his daughter, Georgia Kiser; two sons: Brian and Daniel; two sisters: Polly Rial and Ruth Rial; and nine grandchildren: Jolie, Jessica, Jamie, and Thomas Kiser, Sean, Brinna, Ethan, Justin, and Rebecca Payne.

Graveside service with full military honors will be presented at 12:30 PM on Friday, April 3, 2015 at Houston National Cemetery, 10420 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston 77038.