On the night of November 11, 2014, Forrest Steven Payer passed away after a five year battle with cancer. He was attended at home by his spouse and a close circle of family and friends who loved and cherished him dearly. Steve is survived by his parents, Joanne and Forrest Payer in Little Rock; his best friend and spouse of 22 years, Shawn Barron, his three sisters and a number of cherished nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Steve was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on January 16, 1961, the third of four children and the only son of Joann and Forrest Payer. He attended high school at Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock. Steve went on to attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and Memphis State University where he graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Nursing. Steve spent the last 20 years of his career as a Registered Nurse, functioning as the Night Supervisor in the intensive care unit of Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, providing care primarily to patients immediately following an organ transplant procedure. Steve took great pride in his work and his responsibility to the patient and their families. His colleagues, also friends, describe him as a true leader - nurturing, patient, loved, gentle spirit and compassionate …the list goes on. As Esther Ngo adds, "Steve renewed my love for nursing. Initially, I called him Daddy to get a rise out of him, to aggravate him, but over our 17 years of friendship, the nickname "Daddy" really did fit…He was an ambassador for nursing, demonstrating the strength and kindness that all nurses should use in their practice." At this time of year, you could always count on Steve to know the score when it came to college football. Steve was a true Razorback fan and made it a point to watch the games. He had a special place in his heart for his two - four legged daughters - Jesse, a Boston terrier, and Nikki, a whippet. They brought him and his spouse great comfort during these difficult times. Steve kept up-to-date on current events and also had a knowledge and deep interest in historical events. He loved to travel and was an intelligent man with an uncanny ability to remember vast amounts of information. Unfortunately that also included to his delight, remembering crazy childhood stories that could embarrass his siblings and cause his parents to just shake their heads and roll their eyes! Steve was a selfless, giving person who was quick to help others but never asked for anything for himself. He loved life and the outdoors anything from trips to the Florida beaches or his own beautiful back yard. Most important, Steve was a very caring, loving family member and friend. Family was so valuable to Steve - he was always in touch with his family and took such delight in surprising his sisters and mother with jewelry at family get togethers. Steve's memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 1:00 PM at the Aria Memorial Chapel. A special thanks goes out to our close family friends - his spouse Shawn, his little sister Missy Payer Ebeling, Gloria Barron, Shea Sears and Esther Ngo, who were always there for Steve. Arrangements are under the direction of ARIA Cremation Service and Funeral Home 19310 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75252 214-306-6700