William Lee Payne Jr.

William Lee Payne Jr., age 80, of Maryville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, December 28, 2019 at U.T. Medical Center. He was a former professional Football player with the Boston Patriots and the Knoxville Bears and a Contractor by trade. He ended his career as a Minister with a Doctorate of Divinity emphasizing his specialty in Christian-Jewish Reconciliation. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and a true friend who will be deeply missed by those who knew him. Preceded in death by his parents, William Lee Payne Sr. and Mildred Haggard Payne; brother, Curtis E. Payne; and infant son, William David Payne. Survivors include his best friend and devoted wife of 59 years, Reva Jo Campbell Payne; son and daughter-in-law, Timothy L. and Bonnie Payne of Celina, TX.; daughter and son-in-law, Ami E. and Chris Burr of Ducktown, TN; grandchildren, Elizabeth A. Adkins, Johnathan C. Burr, Catherine Jo Burr, Isaiah T. Burr, Laura Beth Burr, Maisie J. Burr, and Asa S. Burr; sisters, Donna McNeilly of Knoxville, Jeaneane Payne of Sevierville, Pamela and Charles Archer of Kingsport, and Suzanne and Chris Hall of Pendergrass, GA; A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to New Gate Ministries @ P.O. Box 4758, Maryville, TN 37802 or www.newgateministries.com. Arrangements by Cremation By Grandview, 865-738-0244, www.CremationByGrandveiw.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William Lee Payne Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.