William Edward Payne

William Edward Payne, 81, of Jonesboro passed from this life on Monday, August 5, 2024 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice house. He was born in Richlands, Virginia in 1942 to his parents, Charlie Bill and Buelah Payne, he enjoyed his early years with his two siblings, Alex and Marie.

At the age of 18, William enlisted in the US Air Force where he spent 31 years of his working life. He eventually obtained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (The highest enlisted rank to be achieved). William spent the last 15 years of his working career with F.E.M.A., playing a critical role post 9/11 to assist his country.

Throughout William’s service to his country, his loving wife Berdine (Warden) Payne was by his side every step of the way. Prior to her passing in 2017, William and Berdine were married for 52 years.

William was a kind man. He was quiet and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, old school country music (Willie Nelson and Hank Williams Sr.), and reading books.

In addition to his wife, William is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Bill and Beulah (Altizer) Payne; brother, Alex J. Payne; and Nephew Thornton L. Woolridge.

William is survived by his son, Michael Payne (Tammy) of Jonesboro; sister, Marie Woolridge (Kenneth); grandchildren, Brett Payne (Bailey) and Loren Payne; great granddaughter, Brooklyn Jade Payne; niece, Jamie Bayne (Russ) and their children, Donnie and Joy; niece, Melissa Woolridge; and aunt, Doris Welch. William leaves behind a host of other family, friends, and his dog, Sarge.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis. In honor of William’s lifetime service to his country, the United States Air Force will provide funeral honors at the service.