Hi all. I'm sad to say that Willie Payne (went by Willie on the old Jerry Douglas Bulletin Board and ResoNation forum) has passed away.
echovita.com/us/obituaries/ga/...-19643642
I met Willie on the JDBB, then in person met him, Lee Hiers and "Straycat" (also RIP) at a BG Festival in Cleveland GA sometime around 2000 where I bought my first real Dobro from Lee. After that, Willie and I partnered on a number of ventures to IBMA, Auldridge/Heffernan workshops, and the like. We "encouraged" each other to buy more resos than we could play at one time! When i got my first custom reso (Harper A013), Willie joined me for the ride, and then shortly after got A007 for himself. He acquired guitars from multiple builders and loved them all.
I loved hearing Willie play, but it always took much coaxing. He was the kind of person who didn't have to assert himself into every situation. He didn't have an unkind word to say to anyone. What he did have was loyalty, kindness, dedication, and heart. He was a godly man in the best sense. He loved all things Dobro. And he was my friend.
Rest in peace, Willie.
Daver, sorry for your loss. He sounds like a peach of a guy.
Did he attend, by chance, the first two Reso-Summits? You were there weren’t you?
quote:
Originally posted by Lounge PrimateDaver, sorry for your loss. He sounds like a peach of a guy.
Did he attend, by chance, the first two Reso-Summits? You were there weren’t you?
I remember Willie went to the first ResoSummit and convinced me to sign up. I started at #2. We may have done that one together. But #1 he was there. Old guy memory ...
I’ll look at the group photos and see if I can discern both of you. I was at #1 & #2
quote:
Originally posted by Lounge PrimateI’ll look at the group photos and see if I can discern both of you. I was at #1 & #2
Please share the photos if you can. Always interesting to see friendly faces...
I met Willie at SPBGMA and always enjoyed his.friendship. A man of great sincerety and warmth was one of the first things you would see and remember about him. I am saddened to hear of his passing, but I know from.correspondence of his pride and joy in his family. Willie had the only quartersawn Jumbo Cherry Harlow for many years. There are only a couple Frank made. I got to play it when it was new. I hope Willie is up in heaven picking with Frank. Prayers to family and friends of Willie, RIP my friend. Dan
