SENATOBIA - Northwest Mississippi Community College is mourning the passing of former Ranger football tackle Bobby Payne, a member of the 1960 MACJC co-championship team.

Payne passed away on December 30, 2023 at the age of 83. A Senatobia High School alumnus, Payne played football under coach James Jobe, helping the Rangers to a 9-1 record and a share of the program's first recorded conference title.

Following Northwest, Payne attended Delta State University, where he continued his athletic and academic career. He later served in the National Guard and held a private pilot's license, building and flying model airplanes as a hobby.  He was also an avid hunter, fisherman and loved collecting trains.

Payne's memorial service was held on January 2 at Senatobia Church of Christ.