William Payne,

BURLESON -- William Payne passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family Saturday, May 8, 2010, after a 21-month battle with cancer. Funeral: 10 a.m. Wednesday at Lucas & Blessing Funeral Home, Burleson. William would appreciate casual, comfortable attire at his service. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials: Contributions may be made to the SPCA of Texas; ATTN: Development, 2400 Lone Star Drive, Dallas, Texas 75212 or to the  Humane Society of North Texas, 1840 East Lancaster, Fort Worth, TX 76103, Attn: Donor Services     William was a long-time resident of Arlington and graduated from Arlington High School. William married his high school sweetheart nearly 19 years ago in the Virgin Islands. Taken under the wing of Bill DeGray, William learned the packaging industry from the ground up. He spent over 30 years representing several prominent packaging equipment manufacturers as a sales rep and manager which took him to Chicago, Atlanta and back to Texas in 2007. William developed a love for sailing early in his life and later a passion for NASCAR and motorcycle riding. Known as "Spanky" to his riding buddies, William's vibrant, outgoing personality and love for life influenced his many dear friends. William will be remembered with love and affection by those he touched. He was preceded in death by his parents, William K. Payne Sr. and Leona; grandmother, Zetta Mae; and uncle, W.S. Hendrix.        Survivors: Wife, Karla; father and mother-in-law, Raymond and Joan Neal; sister-in-law, Perette Anderson and husband, Kevin; cousins, Don Hendrix and wife, Jane, Bill Hendrix and partner, Trey, Troy Hendrix and wife, Shanna, Tracy Hendrix; five third cousins; cherished aunt, Lois Hendrix; his motorcycle riding buddies; and many friends and co-workers. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William Payne, please visit our Sympathy Store.