Funeral services for William S. Payne Jr. (Willie), 70, will be held on Saturday, April 19, at 2:00 pm at Bethel Congregational Methodist Church in Butler, GA. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at the Bethel Primitive Baptist Cemetery. Willie passed away on Thursday, April 17, at 5:30 am in his home, surrounded by his loved ones, after battling cancer.

Willie Payne was the nicest man you would ever meet. He was known for his genuine kindness and honesty. At the time of his death, Willie was a longtime member of Bethel Congregational Methodist Church, where he had served as Sunday School teacher and played acoustic guitar on the praise team. He was involved with mission work to Honduras, where he built school buildings for children raised in poverty. He was also a member and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church for many years. Willie had the privilege of portraying Jesus in the community Easter play. He was a true scholar of biblical study and an avid reader.

Willie loved game hunting and went on many hunting trips around the world. He also enjoyed upland bird, deer, and especially duck hunting. He helped coach the Taylor County 4-H shotgun team. Willie loved listening to and playing bluegrass music. He was known for his masterful skills on the Dobro guitar and even taught lessons for 2 years to young musicians.

He lived his entire life in Butler, GA. He graduated from high school at Beechwood Academy in Marshallville, GA. He went on to graduate from ABAC and UGA with a degree in Agricultural Science and then returned to the county he loved to live out the rest of his years. He loved farming and was a farmer for over 50 years, raising cattle, hogs, and row crops. After retiring from farming, he owned and operated Payne’s Farm and Garden on the Butler square for many years until his retirement in 2023. He ran his business with honesty, integrity, and always cared for everyone that came through his doors.

Wille was a loving husband and wonderful father to his boys who he deeply loved.

 He was preceded in death by his parents W.S. and Ruth Payne.

Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Nancy Payne of Butler, GA; two sons, John Payne of Butler, GA;  Stephen Payne (Sofy) of Athens, GA; mother-in-law, Dorothy Mansfield (Leonard); cousins, Nick Giles (Kay) of Butler, GA and their children, Lee Giles (Lindsey) and Lauren Lyons (Ben), Nina Jarrell (John) of Butler, GA, and their children, Jay Jarrell (Kim) and Jennifer Carpenter (Keith); and Karen Bohaning of Jacksonville, FL. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Step Forward Global Ministries, c/o Michel Khalil, 2906 Red Pine Court, Duluth, GA 30096 or at www.step4ward.org

You may sign the online guest register at www.mcleightonfuneralservice.com

McLeighton Funeral Service of Butler is in charge of arrangements.