Obituary for William "Bill" A. Payne
William A. Payne, age 89 of Fairview, NC, passed away on August 4, 2022.
William A. "Bill" Payne was born in Georgiana, Alabama, but was raised in Florida where he met his high-school sweetheart and future wife, Betty Davis.
After serving in the US navy, he spent 11 years as a Florida State Highway patrolman. It was here that he became a pilot. He then went on to have a career flying for United Airlines for 29 years, becoming a captain and instructor. After retiring from the airlines, he continued to fly recreationally as often as he could. He volunteered to fly Mercy Flights and flew privately for a local businessman and friend. He also earned his helicopter pilot's license at the age of 70. Flying was Bill’s true passion and he loved to share it with everyone he met.
Bill was a devoted Christian, serving in his church as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Bill was always willing to help those around him. He was married to Betty, the love of his life and center of his world, for over 70 years.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, U.D. Payne and mother, Evelyn Hall Payne.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 70 years, Betty J. Payne; daughter, Kathryn E. Clinebelle of Columbia, SC; sister, Alice Ann Miskanic of Canton, GA; three grandchildren, Katie J. Clinebelle, Nathan W. Clinebelle and Daniel J. Clinebelle; and four great grandchildren, Liam D. Clinebelle, Camden R. Clinebelle, McKenna J. Clinebelle, and Patrick R. Clinebelle.
The family will receive friends at Grove Stone Baptist Church, Monday, August 8, 2022 from 5:30-6:30pm and a Celebration of Life Service will immediately follow with Reverends Michael C. Long and James R. Lamb officiating.
Burial will be in Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 12:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider the Grove Stone Baptist Church Mission Fund.
William A. "Bill" Payne was born in Georgiana, Alabama, but was raised in Florida where he met his high-school sweetheart and future wife, Betty Davis.
After serving in the US navy, he spent 11 years as a Florida State Highway patrolman. It was here that he became a pilot. He then went on to have a career flying for United Airlines for 29 years, becoming a captain and instructor. After retiring from the airlines, he continued to fly recreationally as often as he could. He volunteered to fly Mercy Flights and flew privately for a local businessman and friend. He also earned his helicopter pilot's license at the age of 70. Flying was Bill’s true passion and he loved to share it with everyone he met.
Bill was a devoted Christian, serving in his church as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Bill was always willing to help those around him. He was married to Betty, the love of his life and center of his world, for over 70 years.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, U.D. Payne and mother, Evelyn Hall Payne.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 70 years, Betty J. Payne; daughter, Kathryn E. Clinebelle of Columbia, SC; sister, Alice Ann Miskanic of Canton, GA; three grandchildren, Katie J. Clinebelle, Nathan W. Clinebelle and Daniel J. Clinebelle; and four great grandchildren, Liam D. Clinebelle, Camden R. Clinebelle, McKenna J. Clinebelle, and Patrick R. Clinebelle.
The family will receive friends at Grove Stone Baptist Church, Monday, August 8, 2022 from 5:30-6:30pm and a Celebration of Life Service will immediately follow with Reverends Michael C. Long and James R. Lamb officiating.
Burial will be in Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 12:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider the Grove Stone Baptist Church Mission Fund.