William Earl Payne

William Earl Payne (Billy), 80 of Stafford passed away at Mary Washington Hospital on Friday, February 6, 2026. He served in the Navy on the USS DuPont (October 18, 1963-October 17,1967) and was a Vietnam Veteran. Billy was proud of his service. After returning home he began working at Pepsi as a vending machine technician and worked there for over 40 years before retiring.

Billy grew up in Alexandria Virginia where he met Sharyn while they were racing cars. They married and raised a family in Alexandria, not far from where they had grown up. They always had an open door and a meal on the table for everyone. Billy was known for his generosity and guidance in building cars and motorcycles. Many hours were spent in the garage with Derrick and his many friends.

Billy enjoyed old cars, motorcycles, traveling to Myrtle Beach for Bike week, and Ocean City for hot rod weekend or simply attending local car shows and pie runs. Billy was a family man and his children’s friends were always treated like family.

The family moved to Stafford Virginia to enjoy retirement and watching his granddaughters grow up. He was very proud of the young women that they were becoming and enjoyed cheering them on.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sharyn; son, Derrick Payne, and daughter in law, Brooke; two granddaughters, Leah and Sarah Payne; two brothers, Willy Payne and Jimmy Payne; two sisters, Sylvia Ray and Virginia Ciccarelli; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Payne.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service, Stafford Chapel at 11:00 am, with the family receiving friends an hour prior to the service. Interment will be private.

Online condolences may be sent at www.mullinsthompsonstafford.com