William Ray Payne

Funeral services for William Ray Payne, known to his friends and family as Bill will be held 10:30 am Saturday, July 18, 2015 at the Western Heights Baptist Church with Rev. David  Head officiating.  Burial will follow in the Ridgelawn Cemetery in Collinsville, Oklahoma at 1:30 pm.  Services are under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Bill was born February 18, 1927, in Collinsville, Oklahoma he was the son of Jack C. and Pansy (Laird) Payne.  Bill began school and Collinsville where he later completed his education.  In 1945, Bill joined the United States Army during World War II.  He was later honorably discharged in 1946, following the war, Bill returned to Kansas and was later united in marriage to the love of his life Eunice Evelyn Davenport on December 14, 1946 at Great Bend, Kansas.  Following their marriage the couple moved to Kansas City.  During that time Bill attended school learning the trade as a plumber.  Shortly after graduation Bill and Evelyn moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where they remained until 1976.  During this time Bill worked for Palmer Plumbing Heating and Air.  He was also a member of the local plumber and pipe fitters union.  In 1976, Bill and Evelyn built his current home where he has continued to reside. Bill enjoyed being outdoors.  He spent many hours working in his garden and yard.  Bill also loved to dance and his favorite music was gospel and country.  He loved to travel and his most memorable trip he took was to Hawaii.  Telling a joke was always a given for Bill.  He loved the time he taught Sunday School and teaching other about Jesus.  Politics was a very touchy subject for Bill and speaking out of line was a good way to get him fired up.  He always felt that Christianity, honesty and hard work was expected of everyone.  Bill felt that his in-laws had the greatest effect on his life.  However, he was most proud of his children and grandkids who he loved dearly.  Bill passed from this life on Monday, July 13, 2015, in Cleveland, Oklahoma at the age of 88 years.   Survivors are his daughter Elaine Rambo of Tulsa, Oklahoma; three sons Charles Begay of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Arnold Begay of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Clarence Begay of Albuquerque, New Mexico; siblings Allen Payne of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Don Payne of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Shirley Williams of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Brenda James of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 9 Grandchildren; 15 Great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends that will mourn his passing.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Evelyn; son William Payne, Jr.; siblings Marvin "Barney" Payne, Milly Cart, Roger Payne and Kathlyn Franks.