Walter R. Payne

Mr. Walter R. Payne, 61 of Murray, Kentucky, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Tri-Star Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, following a courageous battle with heart disease. 

Born January 19, 1964, in Paducah, Kentucky, Walter was the eldest son of the late James E. Payne, Sr. and Mary E. (Lamarr) Payne of Murray. A proud 1982 graduate of Murray High School, he excelled as a gifted multi-sport athlete whose natural talent and determination earned him the respect of teammates and coaches alike.  He later developed a love for golf, finding joy in time spent on the course with friends. Walter retired as a distributor for Alliance Distributing and was a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church.

Those left to treasure wonderful memories of Walter include his loving mother, Mary E. Payne; his daughters, Kenyarry Somerville of Paris, TN, and Layah Payne of Murray; granddaughter, Ahlydia Ayele of Paris, TN; a sister, Bonnie (Charles) Wisdom of Hopkinsville, KY; a brother, James E. (Michelle) Payne, Jr. of Ft. Wayne, IN;  and a host of extended family and friends who will forever remember his kindness and sense of humor.

In addition to his father, Walter is reunited in glory with his sisters, Connie La’Shon Payne and Nekesha Yvette Payne. 

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 12:00 noon in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, with Rev. Ronald Kendrick and Elder Scott Brown officiating. Burial will follow the service in the Murray City Cemetery, with Todd Keller, Shane Black, Charles Miles, Chris Jackson, Austin Groves, and Drew Holton serving as active pall bearers.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 S. 4th St., Murray, KY 42071.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Payne. Please share your messages of condolence with the family by signing his virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.