William David Payne, age 70, resident of Foley, Alabama, unexpectedly passed away from complications following open-heart surgery on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, Alabama. David was born January 19, 1952, in Toccoa, Georgia. A 1970 graduate of Hardaway HS in Columbus, he then attended Troy State University as a Music Major through 1975.
As an Ordained Baptist Minister, he was led by God to serve as a Minister of Music/Youth at several churches in Alabama (Abbeville, Dothan, Brundidge, Gulf Shores, Magnolia Springs, Bon Secour) and Arkansas (Marianna).
David's lifelong desire to serve God through Camp Ministry was fulfilled in 1992 when he became Camp Director at Camp Baldwin (Baldwin Baptist Camp) in Elberta, Alabama. With God's leadership, and David's vision and dedication, the camp has grown from a seasonal summer camp for children and youth to a full-time, year-round ministry for people of any age that has brought countless lives to Christ. He has always been faithful to following God's plan and serving Him. His total years of service through church and camp ministry exceeds 51 years.
Preceded in death by his son, William David Payne, II; father, Vernor Payne, Columbus, Georgia; mother and father-in-law, Joe and Joyce Cook, Andalusia, Alabama; sister, Joyce Payne Henley, Columbus, Georgia; and sister-in-law Lesa Cook, Andalusia, Alabama.
David is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Pam Cook Payne, Foley, Alabama; daughter, Jennifer (Scott) Snell, Kimberly, Idaho; mother, Jean Payne, Columbus, Georgia; sister, Karen (Ernest) Ponder, Dahlonega, Georgia; brother-in-law, Doug (Deb) Cook, Andalusia, Alabama; grandchildren, Mason Payne, Philadelphia, Mississippi; Raelyn Payne, Troy, Michigan; Ian and Mackenzie Snell, Kimberly, Idaho; nieces, nephews and other loving relatives.
Pallbearers will be Mason Payne, Ian Snell, Scott Snell, Will Cook, Davis Ponder, Julian Stephens, Gil Johnson, Billy Duke.
Celebration of Life service, officiated by Bro, Jerry Peebles, music by Bro. Chris Fowler:
Saturday, Oct. 15th, 2022, Visitation at 1:00, Service at 2:00 with interment immediately following, Oyster Bay Baptist Church, 4280 Plash Road, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David's memory to Camp Baldwin, 8749 Baptist Camp Road, Elberta, Alabama 36530, http://www.campbaldwin.org/donations.html
