Obituary

Ralph R. “Bob” Payne, 78, of South Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on June 15, 2023, at Hubbard Hospice House-West, in South Charleston.

Bob was born May 16, 1945, son of the late Fleta and William Payne. He was preceded in death by his only son, Matthew Brent Payne; one brother, Danny Payne and his wife Nikki and son Vince Payne.

Bob was a true Taurus and had a pure heart. Bob graduated from South Charleston High School and attended Beckley College. He married Cil Richmond, “Mike” Richmond’s little sister. Bob commented often that “Mike” was his best friend. Bob worked hard as a “Rod Buster” iron worker out of Local Union 301 for many years. His health started to decline and he graduated from West Virginia State College with a Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy.

Bob’s work became volunteering; mostly through coaching and mentoring youth in the South Charleston valley. It was through this phase of his life, he became a dear friend with Bill Snyder. Bob was also a church bus clown for Fifth Avenue Church of God picking up area children all over for church services. Bob was proud to identify himself as a Young Christian Athlete.

Bob won the Jefferson Award (nominated by Pat Duffy) for his volunteering and starting a basketball league at the old Oaks Field recreation gym.

As Bob’s health declined more in the last year, he resided at Meadowbrook Acres, in Charleston, West Virginia. That became his new community. He remained strong for his wife, Cil. He never faulted. He loved his preacher, David Bess, and his church family, Community Church in Hurricane, WV. Bob loved his daughter, Amy, his son-in-law, Tony, and all of his grandchildren, of whom he spoke of daily.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 53 years, Cil Payne; daughter, Amy Dawn Crist (Tony); sisters, Cookie Freese (Steve), Cathy Spessard (Jim), and brothers, Peachie Payne and Frank Payne (Linda), grandchildren, Lily Jo Crist, Anthony Michael Crist, and Matthew Jordan Payne; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob loved to play and toss all the above children in the air. He would laugh and talk in his “Donald Duck” voice, and the kids would squeal, laugh and go back for more.

Special thanks to nurses, doctors, and all at Charleston General Hospital. Also, a very special thanks to the wonderful crew at Hubbard Hospice House, West. You all are a treasure!

Celebration for friends of Bob Payne and son, Matt Payne (who passed on October 17, 2020), will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the South Charleston Women’s Club on D Street in South Charleston, West Virginia. There will be laughter, maybe a few tears, music and plenty of food! Dress is casual.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.