William Harvey Payne Jr.

William Harvey Payne Jr., 90, of Blacksburg, passed away on Thursday, January 17, 2019. He was born on September 15, 1928, in Gilbert, WV, to the late William H. Payne Sr. and Rosa Belle Adair Payne. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Viola Agnes Tenney Payne, and by his five brothers and four sisters. He was the last of his immediate family.

Bill graduated from WV Wesleyan College with a B.S. in biology and chemistry in 1947. He retired as Superintendent of the NRV Regional Water Authority in 1998. He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church for 45 years, where he sang in the choir. He was also a member of the Hokie Club for over 40 years and served as a Hokie Rep for many years. He loved traveling, visiting all 50 states and 20 countries.

Bill is survived by his wife, Flora G. Payne; children: William H. Payne (Martha), Dr. Albert L. Payne (Sandra), Patricia Payne Lightner (Bruce) and Flora’s children: Alice (Matt) Castellano, George Phelps, Cara (Ken) Blemings, Brian (Gina) Phelps; grandchildren: William H. Payne IV (Jennifer), Dr. Chris Payne (Han), Stephanie (J.C.) Clay, April (AJ) Aiken, Jason A. Rotz, Dr. Angie (Andy) Wetzel, Dr. Cory (Curtis) Hedrick and Flora’s grandchildren: Stephanie Castellano, Joseph Castellano, Benjamin Blemings, Logan Phelps, Elizabeth Blemings, Megan Phelps, Jocelyne Phelps, Jovie Phelps; great-grandchildren: Madison, Zachary, Joshua, Abigail, Sam, Cate, Cade, Caroline, Ben, Olivia, William, Eloise Viola, Andrew, Adam, Ainsley, Justin; and Bill’s best friend, Eddie Evans.

The visitation will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019, at St. Paul United Methodist Church from 11 a.m. to noon, with the Funeral Service at noon. Rev. Paul Song and Rev. Roland Byrd will officiate. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Choir Fund, St. Paul UMC, 220 W. Main St., Christiansburg, VA 24073, or to Warm Hearth Neighbors in Need Fund, 2603 Warm Hearth Dr., Blacksburg, VA 24060.