William Payne
William Thomas Payne, “Billy,” age 33, was surrounded by family when he left the world the night of April 15, 2018. In his final hours battling lymphoma and related complications, Billy’s loving partner Chris held his hand and told him how loved he is. He fought so hard for so long and endured more major surgeries with grace and bravery than most will have in a lifetime. His beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and sarcastic humor are already missed. Billy’s fearlessness as well as his love and knowledge of nature were remarkable – truly like none other. Time spent with Billy was a gift and you were bound to learn something along the way. He could tell you about every type of plant on a nature walk as easily as he could pick out the perfect dog for your family at a local shelter. Billy’s life will live on through his partner Chris Auteberry, his parents Pam and Jack Payne, and his sisters Katie Wahrhaftig, Kristin Schlesinger, and Jacqui Stroud.
The family asks that you make a toast to Billy this week, preferably with nice champagne. Go outside. Adopt an animal. Waterski. Bake. Paint or be crafty. Play the music a little too loud. Create a terrarium. Plant a garden. Love the world around you.A memorial celebration will be held on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at Studio Paris located at 59 West Hubbard St, Chicago. Family gathering from 2-3pm. Open house to the public from 3-6pm.In lieu of flowers please plant something or bring a plant into your home; watch it grow. We encourage you to post your plants to instagram with #plantsforbilly in the days, weeks, months, and even years ahead.You may also honor Billy with a donation to The Honeybee Conservancy here https://thehoneybeeconservancy.org/donate-now/Arrangements Entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside: (708) 352-6500
So sorry to learn of your loss. We will be in Pa at the time of your service but please know our thoughts and love are there with all of you. Mel and Beulah Glick
My deepest condolences to the family, friends and devoted Partner of this courageous man. Although, I never got to personally know Billy, it’s blatant I would have adored his beautiful soul! I’ll try to make the world a little more greener with a splash of more color in memory of you, Mr. William Payne.
My condolences to the family and friends. I went to highschool with Billy. He was such a nice guy. He would always wave and say hi when he saw me in the hallways, always would ask how I was doing. Would Always put a smile on my face, sometimes without even knowing it.
I am so sorry for your heart breaking loss. This rembrance of him is so beautiful. May his beautiful life be remembered and cherished, and everytime he is thought of he brings a smile to their faces. Sending prayers to his family and friends through this time. May you feel love, comfort, and strength.
My deepest condolences to ur partner and ur family Im so sry for ur loss I knew Billy in high school he was such an amazing person I remember when I lost my grandma he was the first person I saw when I got bk to school and he a me the biggest hug and then cracked a joke he really did have a heart of gold he’s loved and missed by everyone
Love u Billy
Pam and Jack we are so sorry for you and your family with Billy’s passing. The two of you were so strong and helpful for so many families while there loved one was in the cardiac section of the hospital.
Thank you so much for smiles hugs and caring in the time when it was really needed.
Diane & I had the privilege of meeting Billy one time in the hospital and I thank God for that opportunity in my prayers.
Billy touched our family even though most never actually met him. They all heard about him and how strong he was and how he battled every day and always surrounded by his wonderful caring family.
Billy is in Gods hands now and no more pain and suffering.
We will continue our prayers for your family and I will plant flowers and bushes in memory of Billy.
God bless you and your family.
I am heart broken learning of Billy’s passing. He was a bright spirit full of love and light and wonder. I knew Billy when he worked at Cactus Joe’s. I worked there before him and would often visit. His smile and laughter brightened my life. He was so loving with Hali, my little girl and would always give her a little present when we came to visit. Now that I am working there again, I had dreamed of a day when he would come back to Vegas and come back to the nursery so we could work together. Life is so precious and so short, I wish I had stayed in touch more. I will never forget you Billy, you live on in the spirit of every plant and animal and your light is shining brighter than ever now.
RIP Billy-I met you Freshman year in High School, when we both had World History class together. I remember our daily chats about life, fashion, and my asking your opinion on my coordinating nail polish and eye shadow…squeezing in as much we could before the teacher showed up or the bell ring. During lunch period, school events, and the rest of HS years to come; it was always laughter and smiles with you! And even after HS was over, somehow we still had several encounters (Union Station), where we would reminisce about our first day of HS and that World History class together. Bumping into you at the train station, each time, it felt like the day we first met…that same big smile and kind soul. May you Rest In Peace and spread your kindness amongst us all. Please look after all animals; in heaven and on Earth. It was a pleasure knowing you Billy! Cheers. ????
I came to this site for another loved one but saw this handsome young man and just had to read about him. I am so sorry for your loss and sad also that I did not have the privilege of meeting him myself. By this account, he was a very special person in all ways. He was obviously well loved, admired and will be sorely missed. I will listen to the words spoken and make sure I get outside, love well, take care of animals, plant a garden, listen to my music loudly, and most of all appreciate every day and everyone around me.
Thank you for reminding me of the important things in life. I am so sorry for the world’s loss of this special man. I hope to meet him one day.