PAYNE, Angus Edward (Ed)

Williams News, Williams, AZ Wednesday, July 06, 2011 Angus Edward "Ed" Payne, long time resident of Williams, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 30, 2011. He was 97 and a 20 year cancer survivor. Ed was born in Olive Branch, Miss. on July 23, 1913 to John Henry and Mala Shackleford Payne. He grew up in Shelby County Tennessee (Memphis) where he attended Whitehaven High School. He was a standout football player and loved all sports. This was where he met Mildred Knox, who would become his wife in 1936. They lived in Tennessee until Mildred's health forced a move to a drier climate. Phoenix was dry but also very hot, so a cooler, dry climate had them settle in Williams. In 1942 the move was made in time for the start of school for the oldest son, Paul, with Dale only two years behind him. Cheryl came along in 1945. For 11 years they lived on Sheridan Avenue and in 1953 built the house on North Sixth Street where they lived a wonderful life. After Mildred passed in 1997 Ed took over making sure that birthday cards and phone calls were made to his children. He was known as a hugger and loved to greet people with a big hug, especially the ladies. Among his family and friends, he was affectionately called the "Royal Payne." He will be greatly missed by everyone he came in contact with. Ed was active in the community, being a past member of the Lions Club, a city councilman and a member of the Williams Community Methodist Church and belonged to the Masonic Lodge. He was the Honorary Marshall of the 2002 Williams PRCA Rodeo. Ed was an avid fan of Williams High School athletics and his love of golf and the Elephant Rocks Golf Course gave him the opportunity to be the unofficial ambassador for that facility. During the season you would find him there almost every day. He is survived by three children, Paul (Betty) Payne of Carson City, Nev., Dale (Laura) Payne of Glendale, Ariz. and Cheryl (Hal) Rogers of Anacortes Wash.; and eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He also has a sister, Terrell Step, who lives in Jackson, Miss. and will turn 100-years-old in October and a younger sister, Mala Lax, who lives in Tunica County, Mississippi. Two brothers, John and Robert, preceded him. Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Williams Community Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the church.