Wiley Cornelius Payne, Sr.

Wiley Cornelius Payne,Sr. passed away on August 6, 2025 at the age of 78 in Temple, Texas. He was born to Bill and Mary Payne on July 30, 1947 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. At a very young age, Wiley (Bubba) was adopted and welcomed into the home of James L. and Emelda Goff Phillips of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Wiley attended public school in Hattiesburg. He enlisted in the United States Army and served 20 years, retiring in 1987. He was a very proud U.S. Army Veteran. During his tours of duty, he received numerous commendations, awards and medals. Following retirement from the military he worked at the Central Texas Veterans Administation (Temple) and United States Post Office (Bryan College Station and Waco). Wiley was very outgoing and never met a stranger. No matter where he was or who he encountered he could always engage them in conversation. He loved to cook and share his creations with others.

Wiley is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Mary Payne, mother and father James and Emelda Phillips; brothers James L Phillips, Jr. and Ronnie Phillips.

Wiley married Gloria Jean Buster on July 1, 1972 in Elgin, Texas. He is survived by his wife Gloria Jean Buster Payne (Round Rock, TX); three sons: Wiley C. Payne, Jr. and wife Natalie (Aubrey, TX), Justin D. Payne (Northlake, TX) and Antoine J. Payne (Round Rock, TX). Three grandsons: LaVell Payne (Carrolton, TX), Alec Payne and Elijah Payne (Round Rock, TX). Two granddaughters: Eleanor Payne and Emaya Payne (Round Rock, TX). One great grandson: DeAndre Payne (Temple, TX). Three stepsons: Corey Carter, Timothy Dukes and Donaven McDonald (Aubrey, TX). One step great-grandson Kacey McDonald (Aubrey, TX). Three sisters: Hattie Lumzy (Sumrall, MS.); Catherine McKee and Barbara Myers (Hattiesburg, MS). Four brothers: Rev. Albert Phillips and Calvin Phillips (Hattiesburg, MS), Jerry Phillips (Hayward, CA) and Raymond Phillips (Mt.Olive, NC). Wiley will certainly be missed by a host of other loving relatives and friends.