Payne Wright Poindexter, Sr., 81, passed away on December 11, 2010 at Kendal in Lexington, Virginia, after a long illness.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Poindexter; his parents Robert and Nannie Poindexter, and four (4) brothers and (4) sisters.

He was born July 13, 1929 in Lexington.

He served briefly in the U.S. Army before returning home to Lexington.

He attended Lylburn Downing High School and went on to play football with the Lexington Blue Devils, a semi-pro football team in the Lexington Area.

Payne served as the Fire Chief for the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department for several years. He was recently honored by the Fire Department as the first African American to hold that post in the city.

He was a member of Randolph Street United Methodist Church, where is served on several committees and sang on the choir for many years.

Payne served on the Habitat Board and several social organizations in the community such as the Masons and the PPP Club.

He is survived by his fiance, Berdie Evans; four daughters, Karen Cauthern, (Leslie Jr.), Michelle Poindexter, Tia Echols, (Eddie) of Harrisonburg, Va., and Laura Evans; two sons, Payne Poindexter, Jr. of Lexington and Corey Poindexter, (Connie) of Atlanta Ga.; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

A service will be conducted at 11 a.m. at Randolph Street United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 18, 2010 by Rev. James Bollinger. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery with a repast following in the lower sanctuary of the church. Viewing will be one (1) hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation, Randolph Street United Methodist Church or the Lexington Fire Department.

Arrangements are by Harrison's Funeral Home and Crematory, Lexington, VA.