William “Bobby” George Payment, age 69, of Sault Ste Marie, MI passed away unexpectedly on Sun, May 1, 2016 while on a fishing trip north of Newberry, MI at Little Lake.
William was born on Jan 31, 1947 in Sault Ste Marie, MI to the late William and Lucille (Gregg) Payment. He graduated from Sault High School with the class of 1966. He later earned his Associates Degree at LSSU in Law Enforcement. He married Laurene Westover on Jun 13, 1967 at the First Church of Christ in Sault Ste Marie. William served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War as a member of the “Big Red 1”. He earned the rank of Sergeant. He went on to serve in the Army National Guard for 15 years. He worked as a Police Officer in Sault Ste Marie and was hurt in the line of duty, so he continued working as a 911 dispatcher. He combined 31 years working for the city of Sault Ste Marie. William enjoyed fishing, his family (the grandchildren), cribbage, and pool. In his younger years, he was a Demolition Derby trophy winner. William loved everyone and he never met a stranger.
William is survived by his wife: Laurene; his two children: William “Billy” (Mary) Payment and Brenda (Joel) Wiggins both of Sault Ste Marie, MI; four grandchildren: Frank (Whitney), Megan, Dale, and Alex; and three great grandchildren: Cheyenne, Diondre, and Braydon. He is also survived by his siblings: Jimmy (Janice) Payment of Kincheloe, MI and Leo Payment of Atlanta, GA.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents; one son: James Jonathon Payment; three brothers: Orville Payment, Richard Payment, and Jerry Payment.
A celebration of life gathering will be held on Sat, May 7, 2016 and the Christopher Columbus Hall from 1 to 3 pm.
- S. Mulder Funeral Home and Cremation Services.