William T. Payne, Jr.

William T. “Bill” Payne, Jr., age 97, recently of Lower Gwynedd Township and formerly of Bucks County and Florida, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2024 at Spring House Estates in Lower Gwynedd. Born in Boston, MA, Bill lived in Washington Crossing, PA for 35 years, Sarasota, FL for 27 years, and Yardley for 5 years prior to moving to Spring House Estates in 2022.

Mr. Payne served in the Merchant Marines and later as First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Bill was a graduate of Lafayette College where he was a member of the wrestling team. He earned his Masters Degree in Public Health from Yale University and forged a successful career as a hospital administrator for 45 years. Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia and Helen Fuld Medical Center in Trenton were among the many hospitals he managed over the years. Bill was a member of Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon. Among his varied interests, Mr. Payne was a member of Toastmasters, an avid tennis player, a gardener, and enjoyed dancing and skiing. 

Son of the late William T. Sr. and Helen Irene (Weidner) Payne and husband of the late Joan (Yeager) Payne and Susan (Carter) Payne, he is survived by his daughter Claudia P. LaForge of Ramsey, NJ, a son and daughter-in-law William T. III and Della C. Payne of N. Wales, PA, a brother and sister-in-law John and Faye Payne, 5 grandchildren Erik, Taylor, Reed, Madeline and Daniel, 2 great grandchildren, a nephew Douglas, and 2 nieces Estee and Kelly.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 11 – 11:30 AM at the Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1680 Aquetong Rd., New Hope, PA 18938, where a memorial service will take place at 11:30 AM.

His interment in the church cemetery will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a memorial contribution, in Bill’s name, to ACTS Signature Hospice, 420 Delaware Dr., Ft. Washington, PA 19034. Please make checks payable to ACTS Signature Hospice (Thank you).

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel, Morrisville, PA.