Billy Payne

SERVICES: 2:00 PM Wednesday, August 12, 2009, at Pinnacle Community Church, 4400 S. Washington in Amarillo, with Kurt Oheim, pastor, officiating. BURIAL: Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Pampa.BIOGRAPHY: Mr. Payne was born April 8, 1944 in Dallas. As a young boy, he moved to Pampa where he attended Pampa schools and graduated from Pampa High School. After graduation, Billy enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served as a sergeant during the Vietnam War. Billy worked for S.P.S./XCEL for 34 years as a meter supervisor, retiring in 2002. His greatest passion was to compete in B.C.A. pool & billiard league play. Billy excelled in eight ball, nine ball and Scotch doubles. He served as a team captain and participated in several championship teams and won the Texas State Championships. One of his annual highlights was to travel and compete in the national B.C.A. tournaments, where his week would be filled with team play, Scotch doubles, and the open singles. Billy had a large influence in Amarillo, instructing and mentoring many young and old pool players at every level. Later in life, Billy was especially proud of being baptized and welcomed to the world of Jesus Christ. Billy will be remembered by his big smile and unmistakable laughter.SURVIVORS: 2 daughters: Beverly Payne Cannon and husband Winston of Dallas, and Helen Diamond of Pampa; 1 son: Billy Payne, Jr. and wife LaVerne of Dallas; 2 brothers: Jimmie Lee and wife Hazel of McKinney and Danny Williams of Pampa; 1 sister: Frances Dorsey of Pampa; 1 special aunt: Billie Phea of Pampa; and a Godson, Randy Wesley; 10 Grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Billy was preceded by his parents, George and Eartha Mae Williams, by a sister, Rosie Lee Clements, and by a grandson, Joseph Payne.SPECIAL NOTICE: The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:30 PM Monday, August 10, at Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Home in Pampa. Mr. Payne will lie in state from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Tuesday, August 11, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount in Amarillo.