Junaway Payne

Junaway Payne, 79, of Marked Tree, died Monday, September 10, 2012 in St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was a long-time resident of Marked Tree, a member of First United Methodist Church and the Men's Bible Class. Junaway was a 1950 graduate of Lepanto High School. He was employed by E. Ritter Company and also Portis Mercantile Company in Lepanto where he retired. In addition, he was secretary of the Poinsett County Democratic Central Committee, Poinsett County Election commission, past President of Arkansas Missouri Ginner's Association, Commissioner of Drainage District #7, Masonic Lodge at Dyess and a member of the Board of Directors at Little River Bank. He was born in Grubbs Arkansas, October 12, 1932, to Euless Othal and Ida Crawford Payne. He was preceded in death by a sister, Nellie Joe Payne. He is survived by his wife, Billye Means Payne of the home; sons, Michael Thomas Payne (Sarah) of West Memphis, Justine Matthew Payne (Amy) of Broken Arrow, OK; daughters, Myra Gay Curtright (Ron) of West Memphis, Melina Jane Payne of Marion; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A Memorial service will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. in First United Methodist Church in Marked Tree. A reception will follow in the church reception hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marked Tree First United Methodist Church.