William Neal Payne, II

William Neil Payne II died of cardiac amyloidosis on Saturday, May 31, 2025. If William were a star sailing in the sky, he would be among the brightest, and everyone would be able to see him. William possessed a natural expertise in all that he did, even as a child, such as being the West Virginia State Chess Champion in both 1966 and 1967. He also obtained an undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Yale University. William treasured his time at Yale, and he believed that his experiences there rendered him into the person that he would be for the rest of his life. William maintained an unmatched sense of humor throughout his life that caused everyone around him to laugh. He also possessed a deep faith in God cultivated throughout his life and celebrated in his participation as a reader at Mass. Being a physician was William’s career, or his skill as he would put it, but it did not define him because in all that he did, William dedicated his life to helping others. William’s love of art, from French Impressionism to Persian Miniatures; his love of literature, from Marcel Proust to Thomas Pynchon; and his love of cities, from Paris to Venice, exemplify a life well-lived. Be that as it may, William’s supreme achievement was the love that he nurtured for his family. Anyone who knew William shall always remember him, especially his loved ones.

The members of William’s family who preceded him in death include: his parents, William Harry Payne and Ruth Virginia Mayo Payne; his parents-in-law, Lawrence and Betty Anderson; his sister-in-law, Vicky Jo Anderson; and his brothers-in-law, Sam Anderson, John Anderson, and Nip Anderson.

The members of William’s family who survive him include: his loving wife, whom William called Jeannie, his forever sweetheart; his older son, William Neil Payne III; his younger son, Nathan, his wife, Rebecca, and their daughter, Abigail; his sister, Elizabeth Ellen Payne; his brother-in-law, Fred Anderson, and his wife, Tami; his sisters-in-law, Cindy Anderson and Regina Anderson; and his extended family, including several loving nieces and nephews.

William’s loved ones would like to extend their special thanks to the cherished friend of the family, Dana Adkins, and to all who participated in William’s care.

Friends and family celebrated a Mass of Christion Burial for William at the parish of his childhood.

In lieu of flowers, William requested that donations be given to Health Right that can either be made online at www.wvhealthright.org or be mailed to:

ATTN: Angie Settle, CEO

WV Health Right

1520 Washington Street East

Charleston, WV 25311

Please notate “In memory of Dr. Bill Payne” on your donation.

Reger Funeral Home, Huntington, assisted the family with arrangements.  Condolences may be made at www.regerfh.com.