Ronald Marzell Payne was born on April 26, 1951 to the union of Joseph Payne, Sr. and Elizabeth Lorraine Payne (nee Webster) In Richmond, Indiana. He accepted Christ in the Second Baptist Church in Richmond, Indiana at an early age. Ronald lived in Richmond, Indiana until he was 10 years old, The family then moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he attended McKinley Elementary School, Roosevelt Jr. High School, and graduated from North Division High School. He then attended and graduated from Stout State University in Menomonee, Wisconsin. He was employed with the Minnesota Correctional Facility – Stillwater. Ron also worked with Child Protective Services and with Maricopa (Ak Chin) Indian Reservation
in Arizona. Everyone who knew “Chief ” as we affectionately called him; knew he was special. His personality was like no other. He loved to plan events for friends and family to gather. He was always in charge. Although he was the smallest of the bunch, he was the “baddest” of the bunch. He will always be the “Big Chief ”. Ronald Marzell Payne departed life on December
26, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth Lorraine Payne (nee Webster) and father, Joseph Payne, Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory: siblings, Joseph Payne, Jr., Howard E. Payne (Rica), Michael Payne, Sr. (Gertie, deceased) and Debra L. Payne; daughter, Alicia Johnson; nieces, Latoya Payne, Michaela Payne; nephews, Tracy Payne (Montea),
Michael Payne, Jr., and Avere’ Thomas. He will be missed by his friends Mark T. Van Lith, Alex Smith, grandchildren, cousins and a host of other friends and family.
Visitation to be held on Friday, January 12, at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, from 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM. Service to follow at 12:00 PM. Interment at Pinelawn Memorial Park.
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