Gregory Payne

Life’s Journey

Master Gregory Leonard Payne

To plant a seed in one’s heart…to root it in love…

To nourish it with time spent together…

Yields a blossom that will flourish forever.

Gregory Leonard Payne was born on May 20, 1958, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to his parents, Lonnie J. Payne and Velester Blackmon Payne.  He was the second of four children born to this union.  He was raised surrounded by his siblings, Patricia Ann, Curtis Eugene, and Cheryl Denise.

At the age of 11, Greg was introduced to Martial Arts by his uncle, Alexander Silas.  He practiced Martial Arts for 52 years.  He competed in numerous tournaments and won many trophies and awards for his skills in Martial Arts.  Greg, achieved the rank of Seventh Degree Black belt with I.F.A.A..   Greg and his brother, Master Curtis Payne were known as “The Payne Brothers.”

Greg also worked at his Father’s service station when he was ten along with his brother. Curtis.  He changed oil, fixed tire’s and changed spark plugs, while his brother ran the pumps.  Many times it was just those two at the service gas station.

Greg, received his education through the Denver Public Schools system starting at Smith Elementary.  Then attended Place Jr High School.  He graduated from George Washington High School in 1976.

Shortly after graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army instead of accepting a college scholarship. He proudly served his country.  After his time in the military, he got his CDL. License and drove for the Denver School System.  Then he drove 18 wheelers for years until he purchased his on truck which took him all over the United States.  This allowed him to visit extended family in other states.

He also loved music from an early age.  He DJ'd for decades and still was buying stereo equipment.  His nickname was “DJ Thunder Shock.”  He played in many clubs in the metro area and around the country. He played for weddings and private events. He had the best time playing for his family; like at his Mom's backyard bbq's.

He has worked as a Tour Bus Driver and a Shuttle Driver for Arrow Stage Lines, for the last fifteen years.   He received many awards.

Greg, was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado, where he sang in the choir.  He loved to sing solo's.  He also sang in the choir in Kansas City Missouri.  He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful man.  To know Greg was to love him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lonnie J. Payne, and his grandparents.

Master Gregory L. Payne departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on August 28, 2022, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to honor his memory include his mother, Velester 'Vee' Payne; sister's, Patricia 'Pat' Holeman & Cheryl 'Niecy' Payne (Johnny); his brother, Curtis Payne (Lawanna); nieces and nephews, Anthony Holeman, Arletta Sherman (Aaron), Christina Lowe (Maurice), Sgt Sidney Payne (Nicole), Derrick Ealy, Patrick Ealy, Jordan Payne, Curtis E. Payne Jr (Roberta), Shantell Shipp & Juletta Grisby and numerous great nieces and nephews and a great great nephew; a host of other relatives and many friends.