Dolphus Paul Payne, of Diaz, Arkansas, departed this life on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the age of 62. He was born in Little Rock on December 4, 1963, the son of Chester and Asalee (West) Payne.
Mr. Payne graduated from Augusta High School and then went on to further his education and earned his vo-tech degree in welding from ASU-Newport. He took great pride in his work, using his skills working as a welder for Matthews International Corporation in Searcy. Mr. Payne was a very organized and detail-oriented person, always liking everything to be in order. He will be remembered for his dedication and strong work ethic.
Mr. Payne was a member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
Mr. Payne loved playing blackjack and cooking, especially grilling on the barbecue. His greatest joy in life was his family. Mr. Payne was known to be a comedian, always keeping his loved ones laughing. He also enjoyed singing and was the lead singer and President of the Payne Family, and also singing with many professional groups. Above all, Mr. Payne cherished spending time with his family, whom he loved dearly.
Mr. Payne was preceded in death by three brothers, Pete Payne, Robert Doby, and Russell Payne; five sisters, Ann Lee Payne, Georgia Doby, Vera Owens, Queen Ester Doby, and Maurice Payne; one brother-in-law, Walter Reed; and his parents.
He is survived by his five daughters, Shamika Davis and husband, Darvis, of Augusta, Tamika Chapple of Searcy, Katrina Anthony of Jacksonville, Robin Parker of Sherwood, and Detrice Robinson and husband, Henry, of Sherwood; three brothers, Andrew Payne and wife, Brenda, of Searcy, Titus Payne of Maumelle, and Lawrence Payne of Ohio; four sisters, Emma Reed and husband, Walter, of Searcy, Alice Dolby of Georgia, and Shirley Moten of St. Louis, Mary Doby of Batesville; sixteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his special friend, Linda Payne.
Funeral services for Mr. Paul Payne will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, with Bro. Steve Lake officiating. Interment will follow in New Quiet Cemetery in Augusta. Friends may visit at the church on Saturday morning, beginning at 10:00 a.m. until service time.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Juan Reed and Louis Colley.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
