Billy F. Payne
May 18, 1933 ~ September 18, 2010
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
BILLY F. PAYNE CANDLER - Billy F. Payne, 77, of Pete Luther Rd., Candler, died Saturday, September 18, 2010, at his home.
Mr. Payne was born in Madison County, and was a son of the late Emmitte and Maude Roberts Payne. He graduated from NC State University with a degree in mathematics. He worked as a research statistician for Enka/BASF, and retired after 33 years. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956. He took an active interest in genealogy and family history in Madison County. He was an active member of Bent Creek Baptist Church for over 40 years, serving as an Elder, Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and a member of the choir.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Sue Ramsey Payne; a daughter, Rae P. Parker and her husband, Dwight, of Brevard; two sons, Roger Payne and his wife, Tanya, of Candler, and John M. Payne of Fletcher; a brother, Dr. Leonard Payne and his wife, Eloise, of Lancaster, PA; grandchildren Joshua Payne, Jessica Payne, Jarrett Payne, Seth Parker, and Mikayla Parker.
As remembered by his wife and children, Billy often quotes his mother's favorite saying "if you're going to do something, do it with all your might." Dad lived a life fully committed to his family, friends, church, and most importantly, his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A legacy he will leave with us is to put Jesus first in your life and everything else will fall perfectly into place.
Dad lived his final twelve years in the shadow of a terminal illness but never asked why me but rather said why not me. He lived those final years with an incredible zeal for life and concern for others' salvation. With a cavalier spirit, he would sometimes jokingly say "he was ready to go but just as soon wait until tomorrow." Only a person certain of their eternal future could be so bold and confident in such circumstances. If you're not so certain, talk to a Christian friend or pastor.
A funeral service for Mr. Payne will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Bent Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Tommy Bridges and the Rev. Porter Jennings officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, PO Box 2395, Hendersonville, NC 28793, or to Bent Creek Baptist Church, 1554 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806.
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Betty and family – I can’t began to tell you how much Bill meant to me. He was such a very special person. He taught me a lot! I will be praying for all of you during this time.
Betty, I don’t think I ever met you, but Bill always talked about you and the children when I worked with him in Quality Control at American Enka. We used to talk about Southern Gospel music and the fact that he sang in a quartet. I believe he said they had made a record. At the time, we were the two Methodists in the group. I remember seeing him once when he visited my work area after he returned to Enka, and I teased him about becoming a Baptist. I was Irene Davis at that time. Bill always seemed to be a happy person. I know you and your family will miss him.
Betty, Jim & I were so glad that we visited Bill and yourself on thursday.He was a dear friend and he will be missed. He has finished his journey of life, we are still on ours.
Dear family,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I was associated with Bill at American Enka/BASF Research, and always appreciated his knowledge and humor. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
Ron Morrow
Dear Roger and Rae,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I did not realize that he had been ill for so long. Dad has been at the VA Medical Center since 2000. I can truly understand that there are worse things than death. I remember your Dad and his smile and the life he exhibited to all. I know that you will miss him but he is at home. God Bless You and know that you are in my prayers.
Dearest Sue, Praying for you and your family in the passing of Bill. He has passed from this world into a beautiful city with our God. I’m sure he has met Jesus by now. He is at home now waiting for another family reunion some day. What a great man he was!!!!
Shirl Ramsey
My late husband, Eric, and I had great respect and admiration for Bill. He was such an upbeat gentleman. My love and sincere sympathy is with Sue and all the family.
Dear Betty & Family, I was so sorry to hear about Bill,s passing away. He was a great friend to me. I enjoyed all the years of taking care of his mother. He had such a sense of humor. and one thing for certain he truly loved his wife and family. He was a great man!
To the family: You have my deepest sympathy. I will miss seeing Billy at the family reunions. He was always one I looked forward to seeing and talking with. I will be holding your family in my prayers. Love and blessings.
Dear family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s sudden departure into Heaven, but was touched to read about his devotion to the Lord. I know he is in good hands, and is shouting the praises of His Heavenly Father, now and forever more. I knew Bill (and Sue) from the Madison County Genealogical Society. I loved his wit and his personality. I always grinned when I saw him in the meetings, because I knew he was going to crack something funny and make us all laugh. I have been missing him in the meetings, and know he has been ill for a while now. He will be sorely missed. May God bless each one of you. My prayers go out to the family.
Betty & Family,
What a legacy Bill left and what a man of God he was. Heaven has gained a saint. We’ll miss him but think about it…he’s not suffering, he’s probably singing with Rex, Frank, Eldridge & Calvin and he’s walking with Jesus. We’ll be praying for you and the family.
Betty, I plan to be at the service but may not get a chance to talk much with you. I have fondest memories of when Dot and I spent many nights singing with Bill and Leonard as we were growing up. The singings you folks held at your home a few years back brought back so many of those memories. He’s probably singing right now!!!
I will always carry with me Bill’s wonderful spirit, sly sense of humor and ability to exude a measure of calm from the chair by the fireplace at Nanny’s house. Much love to the entire extended family.
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you all. God Bless and know you will see him again .
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you all. God Bless and know you will see him again .
Our thoughts and prays are with you. Bruce & Ellen Hawkins.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I had the pleasure of working with Bill for several years at the Enka Plant and had the highest regard for him. My sincerest sympathy to Betty Sue, his family and close friends.
Frank Scott
Retired Enka Nylon Plant Manager
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how close your family is and that your Dad, Rae, will be truly missed. I am thinking and praying for al of you!
Uncle Bill- Maker of wonderful memories and a true example of living for the Lord. Sending love and prayers to all.
I went to church at Bent Creek Baptist from 1983-1991. I sang in the choir with Bill. I used to follow his lead as a bass singer. I had a lot of fun with him and used to enjoy Sunday School with him. He was a very witty person and I am proud to have known him. I am sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry for your loss….. our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family……PJ, Ronnie, Meghan, & Adam Johnson
JOHN, WE ARE SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR FATHER,OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU! GENE AND BRENDA MOORE
My thoughts and prayers are with Aunt Sue and my cousins today. Uncle Bill has always been very special to me, I will always remember him smiling or laughing. He did that so naturally and always made everyone feel happy. As a man of God, you could see the light of the Lord in him all the time. He had a strong influence on me in my spiritual life. I will always be grateful for how he and Aunt Sue cared for my wife Robin and my kids Amy and Zach. Once, Uncle Bill and Aunt Sue went to see a Broadway play in New York City with Robin and me. You should have seen my Uncle and Aunt handling the big apple like a couple of natives, always willing to take on an adventure. To Aunt Sue, Roger, Rae, and John and all their families; I wish I could be with you today, but you have all our love. God bless you!
“Little” Leonard and Robin Payne
my prayers are with the payne family.we all went to church together in walnut.BILL finish one yr before i did.I always enjoyed hearing he and leonard singing with the reeves sisters.HE was a good ball player in all sports.The sch.days and ch.days were great days.GOD be with each one of you.
Betty and family,
Arleen and I express our sincere condolences for the loss of Bill. He was a great friend and a child of God and will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Arleen is out of town, and I will be unable to attend the services, but please know we care deeply and if there is anything we can do, please let us know. May God be with you through this extremely difficult time.
God’s love,
Arlo & Arleen Jennings
What a sweet man. I always looked up to him singing in the choir, a leader in the church as I grew up and he was a wonderful friend to my Dad.
God bless the family,
Lisa
Betty & Family, I know that Bill will be greatly missed. His wit & wisdom was incredible. He was such a wonderful mentor to me at Bent Creek and such a good friend. I will never forget some of the moments from being in elder meetings with Bill. What a dedicated, Godly man and example of what being a Christian is all about.
I know that he is making Heaven a better place to be and look forward to being there with him someday.
Love, Mark & Pat
Dear Payne Family,
I just learned about Bill’s passing and I wanted to express my condolences. I have fond memories of him from Bent Creek. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patti (O’Leary) Ogle