Rev. William Earl “Billy” Payne, 86, of Scottown, went to be with the Lord peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010, from the Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland, Ky.
The Wilgus native was born Jan. 5, 1924, the son of the late John William Payne and Eva Roach Payne.
Mr. Payne attended school in Aid and was a World War II Army Veteran serving in the South Pacific. He was the self employed owner and operator of Bill Payne & Sons Trucking Company for 40 years and loved to farm. He was a member of Palestine United Baptist Church for 59 years and started preaching in 1964. He was the active pastor of Linnville United Baptist Church and former pastor of Walnut Ridge Brethern Church, Fox Fairview Christian Order Church, Kelly’s Bridge Church, Center Point United Baptist Church and Palestine United Baptist Church. He preached and sang with his wife for many years on the Old Time Religion Hour radio program and was an honorary member of the Center Point United Baptist Association. He was also a member and chaplain for the Symmes Valley V.F.W. 2761 and life member of the Amvets.
He was preceded in death on Sept. 9, 2007, by his loving wife of over 65 years, Juanita Carroll Payne. In addition to his wife and parents, he was also preceded by twin sons, Jimmy and Timmy Payne; his granddaughter, Angie Jones; his sister, Pauline Stephens and two brothers, Raymond Payne and Fred “Charlie” Payne.
He is survived by two daughters, Sharon and Billy Daniels of Proctorville and Brenda and Darrell Fowler of Scottown; three sons, Ronald and Betty Payne of Proctorville, Terry Payne and Cindy Callicoat of Scottown, and Teddy and Rebecca Payne of Scottown. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a life long friend, Amos Wilson of Scottown; his sister in law:, Judy Wilson and many friends at Mountain Enterprises.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Phillips Funeral Home with the Rev. Darrell Fowler officiating. Burial will follow in Palestine Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Symmes Valley V.F.W. 2761. Friends may call 6-9 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be his sons and grandsons. Donations may be made to the Community Hospice Care Center, 2330 Pollard Road, Ashland, KY. 41101. The family would like to thank the dedicated Hospice employees for their kindness in caring for their loved one. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net