Matthew Ray "Unk" Payne
Ray passed away September 25, 2014 in Denton in the presence of family. He was born August 2, 1930 in Argyle to James Harvey Payne, Sr. and Sarah Armendia Stinchcomb Payne. He married Martha Ruth Ratliff in 1955. Their four children still live in or near Denton: Tommy Payne, Ruthie Cross, Lynn Payne and Matt Payne. Ray will be missed by his grandchildren: Sara Cross Justice, Josh Payne, Mariah Payne Brooks, Taelon Payne, Logan Payne and Lucy Payne, his great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews that called him Uncle Unk. He was proceeded in death by 6 brothers: Jesse, William, James Jr, Roy Luther, Floyd, and sister Ellen Robbins.
Ray served as a Master Sergeant in the US Army during the Korean War, then worked as a carpenter, including the construction of many apartment buildings near UNT. A skilled craftsman, he loved using tools to create, build and craft wood with stunning results, and in 1965 built the house where he and Ruth raised their family.
Ray was a loving father, providing a father-figure for Ruth's young siblings who were still in school when he joined their family. A Christian of the Baptist faith, Ray made sure his children knew the truth, way and life. He instilled in each a strong work ethic and taught them to stand up for what they thought was right.
He was assistant Scout Master of Troop 65 for many years and a member of the Order of the Arrow. Ray was very involved in the 1960's move of the troop's scout hut from the former Scout Park (where Denton's post office now stands) to its current location at Evers Park. Known as Grumpy by many of the scouts, he stood watch at the camp fire on numerous campouts at Hills and Hollows, Sid Richardson, Worth Ranch and the LBJ Grasslands. Many young men, including his son Tommy, reached the Eagle Scott rank under his guidance.
A celebration of his life will be Nov 28th 2014 at his son's home in Sunset, Texas. For information contact Ruthie_cross@yahoo.com.