William Taylor Payne Jr., 93, a longtime Asheville resident, died peacefully on Christmas morning in Knoxville, Tennessee, surrounded by his loving family during his last days. Bill was a North Carolina native, born on February 13, 1929. He grew up in Sugar Grove and graduated from Appalachian State University. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as a second lieutenant during the Korean War. While stationed in Chicago with the Office of Special Investigation, he met Artis "Artie" Long, and they married in 1952. Upon his military discharge, the couple moved to Asheville, where Bill established his insurance agency with Security Life and Trust Company (later known as Integon Life) and earned the distinction as a Chartered Life Underwriter. His career choice and knowledge of insurance were displayed as he cared for each of his clients throughout western North Carolina. Bill and Artie were devoted to each other and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last month. Family and faith were of utmost importance to Bill. He was consistently a man of his word, dependable, honest and selfless throughout his life. As a member of First Baptist Church, he served as a deacon for many years. Sunday afternoons were dedicated to family time for card games, tennis, picnics and hikes. Bill especially loved camping and fishing with Artie and his grandchildren. For many years, 4th of July gatherings were a highlight for Bill at his family farm in Virginia. With a love of history, Bill and Artie enjoyed many trips with ElderHostel. Bill was preceded in death by parents William Taylor Payne Sr. and Rosa Mae Reeves. Survivors include his wife Artis of Asheville; daughter Lynda (Richard) Greene of Boone, North Carolina; daughter Kathy (John) Adams of Knoxville, Tennessee; son, William Taylor (Leesa) Payne III of Burlington, North Carolina; grandchildren, Laura (Doug) Brown of Tampa, Florida; Emily (Jonas) Anderson of Denver, Colorado; Paul (Jesika) Adams of Duluth, Georgia; Sarah Adams of Knoxville; Lydia Adams of Tucson, Arizona; Rachael Payne of Miami, Florida; and William Taylor Payne IV of Burlington; six great-grandchildren and several cousins. A committal service will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at 1:00 PM at the George D. Reeves Family Cemetery on Reeves Hill Road in Mouth of Wilson, VA. Military honors will be conducted by Grayson County VFW Post 7726 and the US Airforce. Donations can be made in memory of William T. Payne Jr. to The SECU Center for Memory Care, 100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville, NC 28803.