He graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School, where he played football during four years in the late ‘40s, when the team lost only one game. After graduation, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, serving in Roslyn, New York and Chateau, France. He then attended East Tennessee State College, graduating with a business degree. He enjoyed all sports, particularly football and golf.
Bill worked as an insurance agent with Bennett Edwards and as a real estate agent with various agencies and was the owner of Premier Realty. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Kingsport and the Kingsport Board of Realtors, where he served as president, secretary and treasurer.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Elmer Glenn Payne; and sister Gwen Payne-Walker.
Those left to cherish Bill’s memory include his wife of 60 years, Barbara Payne; sons, Randall (Randy) Payne and wife Kim; Shea Payne and wife Tammy; daughter, Paige Johnson and husband Joseph (Joe); grandchildren, David Payne, Christina Petsch, Hannah Perez, Austin Payne, Savannah Harris, Leigh Ann Johnson; great-granddaughter, Madison Petsch; and special lifelong friend, Pal Barger.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:30pm on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at First Baptist Church, Kingsport with Dr. Marvin Cameron officiating with special music provided by Susan Hoover. The family will receive friends 3:30 to 5:30pm in the Atrium of the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to First Baptist Church Kingsport, 200 W. Church Cir., Kingsport, TN 37660 or to the Alzheimer’s Regional Resource Center, 2303 N. John B. Dennis Hwy, Kingsport, TN 37660.
Online condolences may be made to the Payne family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Payne family.
