Billy Gene Payne

Billy Gene Payne
October 24, 1929 – June 2, 2026

Billy Gene Payne, a devoted father, grandfather, proud veteran, and longtime resident of Kingsville, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at the age of 96. He is now reunited with his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Nancy Arlene Huddleston, who preceded him in death on January 15, 2017. Billy was born on October 24, 1929, in Grandfield, Oklahoma. 

On December 7, 1950, he married Nancy in Kingsville, Texas. Together, they shared a beautiful, devoted marriage of over 66 years, building a rich legacy and a sprawling, loving family.

A proud veteran, Billy served his country with honor in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he established a long and successful professional career, working as a dedicated agent for Allstate Insurance for most of his life, where he was known for his integrity and commitment to his community.

Beyond his professional achievements, Billy was a true outdoorsman at heart. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, always at peace when surrounded by nature. His love for adventure also took him to the skies as a private pilot, a passion that reflected his independent and soaring spirit. Billy’s greatest joy, however, was his family.

 He is survived by his four children: Ray Payne and his wife, Kathy; Randy Payne and his wife, Jennie; Clayton Payne and his wife, Suzanne; and Laurie Martin. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, all of whom will deeply miss his guidance, stories, and presence.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 1:00 - 1:30 pm (Central Time) at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, located at 9974 I-37, Corpus Christi, TX 78410.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to support vital clinical research toward a cure for macular degeneration. Contributions can be made online to the Retina Foundation of the Southwest at retinafoundation.org/donate