Paul R. Payne, age 57 of Little Rock, formerly of Malvern, died Sunday, June 20, 2010 at the Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. He was born in Hot Spring County on November 2, 1952 to the late John Sanders, Sr. and Dorris Armstrong Payne. Reared and educated in the Big Creek Community, he graduated Poyen High School in 1970. Paul received a degree in business administration from Ouachita Baptist University, and later attended graduate school at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Paul was an avid sportsman. He loved hunting and fishing, and played golf until a hip injury sidelined him. The Arkansas Razorbacks, the L. A. Lakers, and the Seattle Mariners were some of his favorite teams. He eagerly followed fellow Arkansan and golfer John Daley in his endeavors to win tournaments. And as his friends and neighbors knew quite well, he enjoyed listening to talk radio.

He is survived by the love of his life, Paula Brown of Little Rock, by two brothers, James R. Payne and Joe Payne, both of Malvern; two sisters, Elizabeth Hardin and her husband, Lon of Hot Springs Village, and Sarah Payne Jines of Little Rock; by a sister-in-law, Linda Atkins of Banks, Arkansas; and by eight nieces and nephews.

Paul was also preceded in death by a brother, John S. Payne, Jr. and a sister, Martha Lee Payne.

At Paul's request, his body was cremated. A memorial service will be held at eleven o'clock Friday morning, June 25, 2010 in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Reverend LaVon Post officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from six until eight o'clock. Memorials are requested to the Malvern/Hot Spring County Library.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.