William "Bill" B. Payne Sr.

With hearts full of gratitude for a life well lived, the family of William B. Payne Sr. shares the peaceful passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, musician, coach, and friend.

Born in Richmond, Virginia on September 2, 1929, William was the son of Dorothy Burgess Walsh Payne Jamison and William Barret Payne, later adopted by Harry S. Jamison. William grew up in Richmond and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School.

A gifted and passionate musician, William began his college studies at Oberlin College, where he also swam competitively, before transferring to Northwestern University to pursue his true calling—music education. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1951 and a Master’s of Music in 1952.

In 1952, William enlisted in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and he later attended the U.S. Navy School of Music while serving in the Special Services component of the 101st Airborne Division. While at the Navy School of Music he played for the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington. After graduating, William was transferred to the U.S. Army Band at Fort Monroe Virginia. There, he served honorably until his discharge in 1955, showcasing his musical talent by playing for dignitaries and visiting officials during presidential events.

It was during these formative college years that William met his lifelong love and best friend, Beverly Jones Payne. Bill and Bev were married on August 7, 1954, and shared an extraordinary 75 years of love, laughter, and unwavering companionship. Together, they raised two children: their daughter Debra, born in 1960, and son William Jr., born in 1964.

After his military service, Bill began a distinguished career in education, teaching music in Illinois and Indiana before planting roots in Madison, Wisconsin in 1962. He taught band and orchestra at West High School, Franklin Middle School, and later at Orchard Ridge Junior High (now Toki Middle School), where he remained until his retirement in 1991. His passion for teaching was so deeply felt that he returned for one final year when a fellow teacher was on sabbatical.

Bill was more than a teacher—he was a mentor and role model. His dedication to youth extended far beyond the classroom. He coached in the Madison Youth Football League for 15 years, known for ensuring every child had a chance to play. He taught swimming for the Madison Recreation Department for more than 15 years and was an enthusiastic presence in the community.

A lifelong musician, Bill played trombone with the Madison Symphony Orchestra and was both a performer and director with the Madison Retro Swing Band for over 30 years, bringing music to nursing homes and community events. He was a proud member of the Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity.

Bill’s athletic spirit never waned. A decorated Senior Olympic swimmer, he earned many medals, including over 30 gold medals across the country from 1993 through 2019, including three golds and a silver at the age of 91. The butterfly stroke was his favorite.

His faith was a cornerstone of his life. Bill was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church for 62 years, where he sang in the choir, rang handbells, chaired the administrative board, and served as a trustee.

He was also a proud member of many organizations including MENC, NEA, WEAC, Madison Masonic Lodge No. 5, and the Zor Shriners, with whom he joyfully participated in parades to support children’s hospitals.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife Beverly; daughter Debbie; son Bill Jr (Lauren); granddaughters Amber Levanetz, Sasha Payne, Brianna Healey (Dan), grandson Cas Morrison and great-grandchildren Harley and Cash Geiger, Ariah, Parker, and Wrenley Healey. His legacy lives on in their lives and in the countless students, athletes, musicians, and community members he touched along the way.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Bethany United Methodist Church, 3910 Mineral Point Road, Madison, with Rev. Brad Mather officaiting. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon, immediately following, in the church fellowship hall. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, and from 10:00 AM until the time of services at church on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church or to Shriner's Childrens Pediatric Specialty Care in Chicago at https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/chicago?campaign=655734.

In every note he played, lesson he taught, stroke he swam, and heart he lifted, Bill Payne lived a life full of music, joy, and quiet service. His memory will continue to inspire, guide, and comfort those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Please share your memories of Bill by posting in his Guestbook.

Cress Funeral Services

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434