William Clark Payne Sr.

Born in Greensboro to P.F. and Alta Payne, he and his family moved to Siler City, NC in his youth. He met Ella there, and their romance was fast and sure. They married in 1951, while Bill was serving in the U.S. Marine Corps at Cherry Point, NC. At his discharge, the couple moved to Greensboro to begin their lives together. Together, they built two beautiful homes under his direction as their family grew.

Bill was a valuable and active member of his church community for decades. His guidance was instrumental in the creation, expansion, and operation of Lindley Park Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, Business Manager, Project Manager for the new Sanctuary (completed in the early 70’s), and director of Building and Grounds. He and Ella were the oldest active couple in the church, with membership of 60 years. Bill was a centerpiece of knowledge and guidance at Lindley Park.

Other loves included singing with Barbershop Quartets and choirs (with his booming bass!); support for the General Green Boy Scout Council; spending time with Ella and the family at the beach; and cooking on a huge grill for as many friends, family, and church members as possible. He and Ella always maintained an open house and a big, round, open table for family, friends, and children. He was a member of Gate City Masonic Lodge for over 25 years. During his career he worked at several employment agencies and for two decades with Pine Hall Brick and Pipe, Madison, NC, as the safety officer and HR administrator.

One special attribute was the care and assistance that he and Ella offered to the ministers that served at Lindley Park. They were special friends to the ministers and families, especially in later years to Jim Wall, and Scott Orr and their families, and this kindness spread over the last fifty years of his life.

Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ella George McIver Payne; their three children, Bill, Jr. (JoAnn); Steve; and Susan Broadwater (Tom) and granddaughter Sasha; Kathi Payne and granddaughter Stephanie and new great granddaughter, Layla. He is also survived by his sister in-law Lawanna McIver Fields and her daughters Kate, Shannon and Maureen.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 5-7 PM at Hanes Lineberry N. Elm Chapel. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 11:00 am at Lindley Park Baptist Church with Pastors Scott Orr and Jim Wall officiating. Interment will follow at Westminster Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lindley Park Baptist Church, 4010 Walker Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27403 or Whitestone, a Masonic and Eastern Star Home, 700 South Holden Road, Greensboro, NC 27407. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.