Willie Louis Payne was born November 14, 1940 in Aberdeen, Mississippi. He was the oldest of four sons born to the late Phoebe Ivy Golden- Gleghorn. He was also the son of the late Willie Payne Sr.
Willie had plenty of vivid and fond memories growing up in his small hometown but knew there was a larger world that existed and he wanted to experience it. So, after he completed high school in 1961 he went to Mary Homes College for 2 years and there he joined the United States Army where he served faithfully and planned on making it his long term career, but due to a sudden injury during active duty he was honorably discharge in 1969. Between college and joining the Army he got married to Annie Mae Sims and started working on building a family.
After his time in military, Willie Payne moved back to Aberdeen, Mississippi to join his wife and children. Shortly after he returned to MS, he moved his family to Ypsilanti, Michigan where he landed a job with General Motors in the mid 60’s and bought his first home.
Sadly after 30 years of marriage his marriage ended with Annie. Willie never married again. He traveled through many states and cities to end up in his final resting place, New York City, In 1975. Willie loved bike riding, cooking, fishing and face-book. He also loved making jokes with his charm and unique sense of humor.
Willie loved ALL his family.
Willie’s sunset was on May 26, 2020 at the Samaritan Hospital in Babylon, New York. He is survived by his wife Annie Payne; his son Aundra Payne (from Mississippi), and his daughters Breina Payne aka (BB), Michelle Payne and Keynoshe Smith AKA Cocoa (from Michigan); five granddaughters Nadja Taffe, Leila Smith, Tye Morrow, Lalen Cox, and Sheniah Payne; eight grandsons Lamar Payne, Dee Morrow, Marquez Smith, Marquise Smith and Larry Smith and Deaundra Brooks, Tyrell Payne and Juquirius Payne. His wonderful brothers Eric Gleghorn and Baron Gleghorn aka (Junior); 1st cousins, Willie Mae Walker, Alfred Walker and Mattie William, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Willie’s memory will live on in our hearts and he will always be remembered as a man of honor.
Lovingly Submitted
The Family