Millard Claiborne "Clay" Payne

New Iberia – Funeral services will be held at Pellerin Funeral Home at 6:00 pm on Thursday, August 20, 2026, for Millard Claiborne “Clay” Payne, 72, who passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Visitation will be at Pellerin Funeral Home on Thursday from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm.

Additional services and burial will be held in Virginia at a later date.

Clay was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on May 31, 1954, to the late Sterling Claiborne and Annie Wills Payne. He proudly served our country as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corp during the Vietnam War, where he was a helicopter mechanic. He carried those mechanical skills throughout his career, where he ultimately retired from Air Logistics.

Clay was affectionately known as “Mr. Fix-It.” He could fix anything from cars to appliances and everything in between.

Clay was well known at the casino where he loved to play the slot machines. He also had an affinity for scratch-off Lotto tickets. He enjoyed brain teaser puzzles, old movies, western shows, and The Three Stooges.

Clay never met a stranger and had the best sense of humor. He had a giver’s heart; any time anyone needed anything, he was always there for them. He cherished his family above all else. He was a loving father and grandfather and absolutely adored his grandchildren. Clay will be deeply missed.

Mr. Payne is survived by his children, Nicole Sturges (Brian) and Brandon Payne (fiancée’ Samantha Breaux); stepchildren, Krystle Babineaux and Charles Babineaux; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Edward Sturges; step-granddaughter, Amelya Desormeaux; his former wife and best friend, Doreen Babineaux; and siblings, Ann Cunningham (Ray), Patsy “Patti” Loukides (John), and Robert “Tony” Payne (Lisa).

Clay will remain in our hearts forever. May he rest in peace.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).