James William (Bill) Payne

James William (Bill) Payne, 73, of Pittsburg, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2023, with his wife and daughter by his side in a Pittsburg hospital. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Erman Smith Funeral Home.

Mr. Payne was born July 19, 1949, in Gilmer to Jarrett William and Margaret Barry Payne. He retired after 30 years as a Planner and Estimator in the civilian department for the United States Navy and was a veteran of the United States Army, including a year in Vietnam.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Lee Payne of Scroggins; daughter, Jordan Lee Payne of Scroggins; sisters, Alice Blasingame and Jane Gage; brothers-inlaw Guy Blasingame, Steve Smith, and Gerald Brummell; sister-in-law Glenda Lee; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Mr. Payne is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Linda Smith, and Jo Brunin; brothers-in-law, Tommy Lee, and Neil Gage; and nephew Jason Brunin.

No formal visitation is scheduled.