Dr. William H. Payne DVM passed away on August 11, 2024. “Doc” was born to William H. and Emelyn I. (Hervey) Payne of Milford Center, Ohio on June 17th , 1945.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, (Sandra Bonham Payne) and his son, (Dr. William J. Payne). He is survived by his loving daughter, Kris Walker-Payne (Katherine) of Louisville, two energetic grandsons, (Henry, Greyson), and his brother, Ronald G. Payne (Jane) of Columbus, Ohio.
Doc met his sweetheart, Sandy, while attending The Ohio State University. They married in 1967. After
graduating Veterinary School in 1973, he purchased the Leitchfield Veterinary Clinic and moved the
family, including a baby and toddler, to Leitchfield. He worked 12-14 hours days, sometimes 7 days a
week to establish the practice. He said the first summer he lost 50 pounds just from the vigorous large
animal work. Many of his farm calls rivaled something from a James Herriot story. Over forty years, he
transformed the clinic from a husband and wife operation into a 4 person practice and relocated it to
Commerce Drive.
Doc lived his life largely in service. Through his tenacious work ethic, he served his community for forty years as a small and large animal veterinarian. Through his spiritual commitment he served in various leadership roles as a member of the Leitchfield United Methodist Church. Through his support of the community he served as a member of the board of Wilson and Muir Bank for several decades.
Most importantly, through his deep love for family, he served as a devoted husband to Sandy, father to Kris and Bill, and Pampaw to Henry and Greyson.
Doc lived the past several years as a resident of the Nazareth Home in Louisville. In the last days, as the many staff and caregivers dropped in to say hello, they described him as “their favorite.” They used
words like charming, witty, caring, energetic, loving, and always wearing a smile. He was certainly all
those and more.
Doc was a kind, gentle, generous soul who will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. The family
would like to say thank you to the staff of the Nazareth Home (Highlands) for their special love and care.
Funeral services will be held on Friday (August 16, 2024) at the Dermitt Funeral Home in Leitchfield,
KY. Burial will be in the Basham Family Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.
In lieu of flowers, please support the Leitchfield Animal Shelter, 213 William Thomason Byway,
Leitchfield, KY 42754.
