Frank Corry Payne Jr.

Frank Corry Payne, Jr. M.D., passed peacefully in his home in Dallas, Texas on August 16, 2026, at the age of 98. He was surrounded by his wife, family, and caregivers in his home of 62 years on Carry Back Circle until his last days. His mind remained quick and memory sharp in his final years.

Frank was born on February 22, 1928, in Memphis, Tennessee to Frank Corry Payne, Sr. M.D. and Lucile Virginia (Bedgood) Payne. The family briefly moved to Dallas, Texas and then on to Rising Star, Texas in 1930, where they lived for ten years and Frank’s three younger brothers were born. In 1940, the family moved to Breckenridge, Texas where Frank attended high school. Breckenridge High School was a powerhouse football program at that time, winning yearly district championships and several state championships in the 1940s and 1950s. He added to that success, lettering three years in football as a tailback and helping the Buckaroos win the district championship each of those three years. His father and brothers excelled at football as well. The five together were inducted into the Big Country Sports Hall of Fame in Abilene, Texas on May 4, 2015.

After graduation in 1946, Frank entered Southern Methodist University and majored in premedical studies. Frank married his high school sweetheart, Alma Jane (Cox) Payne on June 11, 1948, while attending SMU. Frank lettered in football from 1946 to 1950, playing halfback and tailback, as well as returning punts and kick offs. Frank’s father also played football at SMU, including on the Mustangs’ first Southwest Conference Championship team in 1923. Frank was the first son of a letterman to also letter at SMU. It was a time of great excitement and success for SMU football while he played there. His teammates and friends included Heisman-trophy winner Doak Walker and All-American Kyle Rote. Other notable teammates and friends included Dick McKissack, Paul Page, and Robert Folsom. SMU won the Southwest Conference Championship in 1947 and 1948, and they ranked #2 in the nation in 1947. Frank played in two New Year’s Day Cotton Bowl Classic games with the Mustangs: 1948 (SMU: 13, Penn State: 13) and 1949 (SMU: 21, Oregon: 13.)

Frank could recall every moment of his football days at SMU and would share his stories with anyone who would listen. His stories of those years playing SMU football, the Ponies’ success, and their long road trips (usually by train) were shared with and treasured by many through the years. Frank loved returning to SMU games, especially as he could share his history with new Mustang fans born into the family. Several of his mementos and photographs from this time are displayed in SMU’s Heritage Hall.

Frank and Jane started their family while at SMU, welcoming their daughter Shari in 1949, their son Corry in 1951, and their daughter Nancy in 1955. After graduating from SMU, he seriously considered becoming a football coach and foregoing medical school. Fortunately, his SMU football coach Matty Bell and his premedical advisor and mentor Dr. Harold Jeskey encouraged him to continue his medical education. He attended The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, graduating in 1954. However, he couldn’t stay away from SMU football and served as an assistant coach for the SMU freshman team during his last two years of medical school. After graduating from medical school, he completed his internship at Methodist Hospital and worked in general practice with Dr. Warren Shoecraft. He was then commissioned into the U.S. Army as a Captain and served two years in the U.S. Surgeon General’s office in Washington, D.C. Frank and his family then returned to Dallas where he began his Pediatric Residency at Children’s Medical Center. After completion of his residency, he opened his pediatric practice in Dallas’ Preston Center on Sherry Lane, practicing there for the next 40 years until he retired on December 31, 1999. His retirement did not last long; in March of 2000, he started working at The Presbyterian Pediatric Clinic part-time until he retired completely in June 2011 at the age of 83. Described as kind, steady, and caring, he was loved by his patients and their families and was highly respected by his peers. He cared deeply about every child and family that he worked with and left a lasting impression on each one.

Above all of his athletic and professional successes, Frank was a family man. Known affectionately not only by his family but also their friends as Daddy Frank, he dearly loved and was loved by his entire family and will be profoundly missed. He cannot be replaced. Daddy Frank was truly a blessing to the daily lives of his family for so many years. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was also a devoted Christian and a long-time member of Central Christian Church, where he held numerous leadership roles. In his later years, he was a member of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church. His family would like to thank his nurse of Amity Hospice, McKenzie Seales, as well as his loving caregivers who have become part of our family: Janet Irungu, Selas Frezghi, Lisa Namuziya, and Geraldine Ojunjobi.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 78 years, Alma Jane (Cox) Payne; His three children, Shari Jane Wright (late husband, William Wright), Frank Corry Payne, III M.D. and his wife Susie, and Nancy Sue Mayberry and her husband, Mike. He is survived by his eight grandchildren: Elise Wright Untersee, Leigh Ann Wright DeLoach (Greg), Jennifer Mayberry Pryor (Stefan), Kenneth Mayberry (Courtney), Brielle Payne Plost M.D. (Sam), Kendal Payne Kowal (Cory), Carter Reed Payne (Carrie), and Ramie Payne Thompson (Reid). Most important, and the impetus for Daddy Frank to remain so active and engaging in later life, were his twenty two great-grandchildren, ages 25 years to 4-months, whose lives were so intertwined with his; Stephen, Corry, Collin, Owen, Claire, Payne, Sofia, Zane, Hannah, Margot, Ella, Wyatt, Hudson, Sloan, Gordon, Avery, Grace, Madeline, Ethan, Joshua, Cooper, and Graham. Frank is also survived by his brother Ronald Ray Payne and his wife Becky of Breckenridge, Texas and the wife of his late brother Gerald, Karen Payne of Hereford, Texas, as well as many other beloved extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Corry Payne, Sr., M.D. and Lucile Virginia

A Celebration of Life will be held at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas on Saturday, September 12 at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow at the church. Memorials can be made to the Frank C. Payne Jr., M.D. Fund at Children’s Medical Center or a charity of your choice.