Jerry Stephen Payne, age 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 18, 2026, in Houston, Texas. He was born on March 15, 1941, in Huntsville, Alabama.
Jerry was the husband of Mary Ann Payne and a father to his two children, Stephen Prentiss Payne and Julia Kirstan Payne. He is also survived by his siblings, Tommy Payne, Sally McClain, Jimmy Payne, and Billy Payne; six cherished grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Patsy Guidry.
Jerry graduated from Reagan High School and went on to attend The University of Texas, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree, followed by his LL.B. and Doctor of Jurisprudence.
Following his graduation, Jerry began his legal career as a City Attorney for the City of Houston. During his tenure, he handled several high-profile cases, including a notable victory against renowned criminal defense attorney Percy Foreman, who was widely known for representing Jack Ruby—the man who shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy—placing the case among those connected to one of the most significant events in American history.
After three years in public service, Jerry entered private practice, where he continued to distinguish himself, including securing a significant victory in a prolonged legal battle against the Internal Revenue Service.
Outside of his legal career, Jerry was a man of many talents and passions. He was an avid pilot who owned his own aircraft, as well as a successful homebuilder and owner of Payne-Potter Construction.
In 2018, Jerry began experiencing health challenges related to dementia. In July 2021, he suffered serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle, from which he never fully recovered.
Jerry will be deeply missed by ALL who knew and loved him.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Beresford Funeral Service.
Thank you for visiting this memorial web page. Please sign the online guest book to let the family know you were here thinking of them.
Services
Memorial Service
Sat. Apr. 11, 2026
1:00 pm
- 3:00 pm
Beresford Funeral Service
13501 Alief Clodine Road
Houston , TX 77082.
Beresford Funeral Service
Houston , TX 77082.
Jerry Stephen Payne, age 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 18, 2026, in Houston, Texas. He was born on March 15, 1941, in Huntsville, Alabama.
Jerry was the husband of Mary Ann Payne and a father to his two children, Stephen Prentiss Payne and Julia Kirstan Payne. He is also survived by his siblings, Tommy Payne, Sally McClain, Jimmy Payne, and Billy Payne; six cherished grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Patsy Guidry.
Jerry graduated from Reagan High School and went on to attend The University of Texas, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree, followed by his LL.B. and Doctor of Jurisprudence.
Following his graduation, Jerry began his legal career as a City Attorney for the City of Houston. During his tenure, he handled several high-profile cases, including a notable victory against renowned criminal defense attorney Percy Foreman, who was widely known for representing Jack Ruby—the man who shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy—placing the case among those connected to one of the most significant events in American history.
After three years in public service, Jerry entered private practice, where he continued to distinguish himself, including securing a significant victory in a prolonged legal battle against the Internal Revenue Service.
Outside of his legal career, Jerry was a man of many talents and passions. He was an avid pilot who owned his own aircraft, as well as a successful homebuilder and owner of Payne-Potter Construction.
In 2018, Jerry began experiencing health challenges related to dementia. In July 2021, he suffered serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle, from which he never fully recovered.
Jerry will be deeply missed by ALL who knew and loved him.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Beresford Funeral Service.
Thank you for visiting this memorial web page. Please sign the online guest book to let the family know you were here thinking of them.
Guest Book