Mr. William R. "Bill" Payne, Jr., age 74, of 45 Creekwood Road, Hartwell, GA, died Friday, October 17, 2008 at Athens Regional Medical Center.

Born January 31, 1934 in Welch, W.VA, he was the son of the late William R. Payne, Sr and Ella Mae Isom Payne.He was a Graduate of Middle Tennessee State University.He retired from E.P.A in Athens as a Research Chemist and was with the Federal Government for 39 years. He was also a U.S. Air Force Korean War Veteran.

He is survived by:Wife, Patsy Wolfe Payne of the home; Son, William D. Payne and his wife Karen of Woodstock, GA; Daughter, Robin Pippin and her husband Richard of Hartwell, GA; Sister, Rosemarie King of Goldsboro, NC; Grandchildren, Beau Payne, Lauren Payne, Alison Pippin Seawright and Andrew D. Pippin also survives.

Graveside Services will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. at Nancy Hart Memorial Park.Rev. Tom Fish will officiate.The family will receive friends after the service at the home.Memorials may be made to Vista Care Hospice, 150 Ben Burton Road, Bogart, GA30622.