Obituary: Brett William Payne

Brett William Payne, 71, passed away Aug. 28, 2023 in Williams, Ariz.

Brett was born April 22, 1952 in Williams to Dorothy Baker Payne and Gerald Payne with brothers Tommy Allen, Gerald Henry and sister Debra Lynn.

Brett graduated from Williams High School in 1970, where he played all sports. Brett also grew up with a love of rodeo, winning many roping and rough stock events. He later became Arizona Junior Rodeo Association State Champion in 1967.

Shortly after graduation, Brett attended a trade school to learn how to run heavy equipment, and afterwards worked on the Exxon-Valdez Pipeline in Alaska with his brothers and some of his local friends. Brett was a top hand on numerous pieces of equipment and worked all over the states of Arizona and Nevade. He retired in 2008.

Brett was a lifelong resident of Williams, where he coached T-ball and Little League. Brett was also an avid hunter, who loved spending time with his sons and brother-in-law Tim Pettit, chasing big mule deer and elk. Brett’s stories of working and chasing big deer with his brothers on the local ranches around Williams, as well as his extensive knowledge of Williams history will be greatly missed.

Brett was preceded in death by his parents Dorothy and Gerald, and brothers Tommy and Jerry.

Brett is survived by his wife of 46 years, Darleen Samsill Payne, sons Lee (Leah), Brett (Aquila) and Cody, sister Debra Pettit (Tim), grandchildren Charlotte, Kolby, Cody Micah, Michaela, Asher and Bryce, as well as nieces and nephews Jerry Payne, Lisa Cureton (Shaun), Gina Carpenter (Pat), Niki Kennelly (Mike), Melissa Orozco (Mario), Kassie Pettit, Jenise Pettit and many great nieces and nephews whom he loved.

A graveside service will be held at Williams Cemetery, Friday, Sept. 15 at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at the Williams Legion Hut.