Harold Jordan Payne

Our dad was so full of life that he couldn’t bring himself to imagine death, and didn’t plan for it. He believed his retirement from the railroad would cover all expenses of a funeral/burial, but it turns out they don’t cover anything. We want to give our dad the burial he deserves in order to honor his memory and say our last goodbyes. Our family was not prepared for the high cost of funeral services so any donation is appreciated during this difficult time.

Hal (or Ooh hoo, as his grandkids called him) was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He always met you with a smile and a hug, and would bend over backwards to help someone in need. He loved his children and grandchildren and wanted to give them the world.

Hal lived an amazing full life. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War and was a Conductor for both the Southern Pacific and Amtrak railroads. He played Guard for the 1955-1956 NCAA-champion USF Dons basketball team with Bill Russel, and he played Semi-pro baseball as a pitcher in Texas.

Hal’s life motto was “Too tough for everyone else, just right for me.” He bought and owned winning racehorses, was an avid tennis player, and ran a tennis club for many years in Los Angeles. He loved cars and always got a kick out of driving his kids and grandkids around in the most unique vehicles, be it a limousine or a Unisport.

Hal’s loved-ones find comfort that he passed peacefully in his sleep and among family.

The world will truly miss Harold Jordan Payne, a one-of-a-kind, gentle and passionate soul, and his memory will always be a blessing for those who knew and loved him.