Oscar “Gene” Payne, a native of Mabank, Texas and resident of Foley, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the age of 94.
Gene was truly a dedicated horseman and was also known by many as the “horse whisperer” nationally recognized for his training and equestrian skills and related expertise. He excelled as a showman, trainer, judge, and breeder. He was also very gifted in woodworking and woodcarving, making beautiful pieces for family and friends. In his spare time, he also enjoyed going fishing. Gene had a keen wit and great sense of humor. He was a kind, Christian man, who loved his family and loved the Lord. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Gene is preceded in death by his father, Oscar Wilson Payne and his mother, Nealie Payne; his grandson, Blake Anthony Sims; son-in-law, Chris Brown; two brothers; three sisters; and his first wife, Glenna Payne, who passed in 1982.
He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Kay Payne; his children, Doyle Payne and Regina Brown, both of Pensacola, FL; his grandchildren, Genna Sims Everson and her husband, Joe, Krisa Joy Eudaley and Kari Jo Payne; great-grandchildren, Chase Eudaley, John Barr, McKenna Eudaley, Kara Grace Everson and Sammie Jo Barr; one great-great-grandchild, Ophelia Grace; a host of nieces, nephews; and many wonderful friends, too many to name; as well his sweet puppy, Bonnie.
A service to celebrate Gene’s life will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, at 1PM. There will be a time of visitation with family and friends before the service begins at 12PM.
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
You’re a good man, Uncle Gene. I’ll miss your earthly presence and our talks. Tell Mom and Dad “Hello” for me. We Love you. Lloyd and Randi
Gene Payne, was the uncle of Sally Payne Estes of Slaton, Texas. Gene was a brilliant horse whisperer who was nationally recognized for his training and equestrian skills and related expertise. Gene was a fine Christian with a keen wit and great sense of humor. He was dearly loved by his family and those who knew him! Gene will be fondly remembered and sorely missed!
My grandfather was one of the most creative, talented, and hard-working people l’ve ever known. Whether he was crafting something beautiful out of wood, or dreaming up a project no one else had thought of-he amazed us with his determination, talent, & artistry. He definitely left a mark everywhere he went. Thank you for giving us the strong foundation and inspiration to carry with us forever.
We will walk forward holding the map you drew and stories you told with love, strength, and vision.
You are a legend, Papa.
We love you so very much.
My grandfather, aka my PAPA, was one of the most creative, talented, and hard-working people l’ve ever known. Whether he was crafting something beautiful out of wood, or dreaming up a project no one else had thought of- he continued to amaze us with his determination, talent, & artistry. He definitely left a mark everywhere he went.
Papa, I will miss your stories, your wisdom, and your one of a kind beautiful creations. Thank you for everything you have taught me and all you have done. Thank you for giving us the strong foundation and inspiration to carry with us forever.
You are a legend. I love you.
Uncle Gene was a steadfast, consistent and loving man in my life from the day I was born. He was witty, proud, loving and at times more than just an Uncle in my life when called upon. He was sharp witted, a charmer and we never parted ways or hung up the phone without him telling me how proud he was of me and how much he loved me. I thank him for that.
When I was a little girl I thought he was the “coolest cowboy” I had ever known, as an adult I learned he actually was!
The creativity that was within him was one outside the box. It allowed him different ways to tame wild horses and be known as the true horse whisperer or it allowed him to take a simple block of wood and create something that was beautiful and meaningful. I am thankful I was blessed with a few of his creations.
Uncle Gene you will be missed more than you know. Tell Momma I love her, and I love you too, forever and always, until I see you again. 🩷
This is my first Father’s Day without you. It seems very strange. Happy Heavenly Fathers Day. Daddy
Love you, Regina
Since my dear Uncle Gene was only 7 years old himself when I was born in 1937, before too many years had passed he was more like an older brother to me than an uncle, all of whom were about my parents’ age. My dad and mother of course often visited dad’s own parents, Oscar Wilson Payne and Nealie Cobb Payne, first in Prairieville where they farmed and then in Dallas when they decided to try out city life! (By the way, Gene changed the spelling of his birth certificate spelling of “Jean” to Gene.) In Dallas, where all our once-rural kin folk had moved during the Depression, Gene finished his school days at Adamson High School, became an excellent left-handed, curve ball baseball pitcher on the Oak Cliff Volunteers, and gave me good info on how to play. He was even a prospective professional player when the Dallas Rebels double-A baseball team asked him to try out for them. He didn’t sign though. I remember when he and his parents (mine too) came to see me when I started playing in the junior league. Gene shouted at me from the stands as I stood hopelessly with my bat to “get closer to the plate.” I did, and immediately got my first hit! Gene, upon marrying his first wife Glenna Shott in 1951, mother of Regina and Doyle (Glenna later tragically died of cancer; thank God for Kay’s many married years afterwards as Gene’s wife), had launched his career as a trainer, caretaker, and “whisperer” to high-bred horses, which he maintained for most of his working years. When Phyllis’ and my daughter Sarah took a keen interest in horses, we took her and her sister to Foley where he gave her professional lessons. They maintained a correspondence with videos and messages through the coming years as Sarah relied upon his advice and evaluations of the horses she bought and rode in Colorado, winning ribbon after ribbon in competition. And not too long ago he gave her solid advice on a fine horse she was considering and which she bought with his approval and still rides with considerable competitive success. In the last few years Gene and I worked hard at compiling our family’s backgrounds in northern Georgia, where Grandpa Payne was born at Catoosa Springs With the effective help from Ancestry.com we found in our family a Cherokee ancestor! Gene was proud of that, and with his artistic skills recreated a beautiful picture of her which he spread to many of our kin and friends. There was no bound of Gene’s wonders! How much we will miss him although his the presence of his accomplishments will be lasting!
I was named after my Uncle Gene. My mother used his original spelling, ,Jean,for my middle name. As a little girl, I can remember him running around with his teenage friends on Center St. and thinking how awesome
he was. I bet he drove my mama and papa crazy back then. I will forever treasure our talks, texts, and most of all the legacy he left me and my sons.
I love you Uncle Gene
Dad, through the years many things change, but what matters most stays the same…Like how much you are Loved, what a Blessing you are, and all the Thanks given to God for You! Pop I’ll miss our time together but know I will see you on the other side…I Love You and am Blessed to be your son!
What a honor it was to know Gene and to have him as our friend!
There was never a visit that he did not make us laugh.
Gene Payne was someone that you could not help to respect and love. He was so full of wisdom and knowledge of so many things.
One of many things we did have in common was the love of horses and the love and friendship he had with my husband, Capt.Charlie D..
And then especially the love for Jesus, our Lord and Savior
I do miss you, Gene! We all do!!
. We will continue to love on your sweet Kaye and family and look forward to seeing you again when it’s our time to come home to heaven..
That was a beautiful service. I’m sending all of my love from Texas.