For those of you lucky enough to know and play with him, and for those who did not, he will be greatly missed. The pool world as I know it has a huge void.
Billy Payne, 65, of Amarillo died Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009.
Billy Payne was born April 8, 1944, in Dallas. As a young boy, he moved to Pampa, where he attended Pampa schools and graduated from Pampa High School. After graduation, Billy enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served as a sergeant during the Vietnam War. Billy worked for SPS/Xcel Energy for 34 years as a meter supervisor, retiring in 2002.
His greatest passion was to compete in Billiard Congress of America pool and billiard league play. Billy excelled in eight ball, nine ball and Scotch doubles. He served as a team captain and participated in several championship teams and won the Texas State Championships. One of his annual highlights was to travel and compete in the national BCA tournaments, where his week would be filled with team play, Scotch doubles and open singles. Billy had a large influence in Amarillo, instructing and mentoring many young and old pool players at every level.
Later in life, Billy was especially proud of being baptized and welcomed to the world of Jesus Christ. Billy will be remembered for his big smile and unmistakable laughter.
Billy Payne, 65, of Amarillo died Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009.
Billy Payne was born April 8, 1944, in Dallas. As a young boy, he moved to Pampa, where he attended Pampa schools and graduated from Pampa High School. After graduation, Billy enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served as a sergeant during the Vietnam War. Billy worked for SPS/Xcel Energy for 34 years as a meter supervisor, retiring in 2002.
His greatest passion was to compete in Billiard Congress of America pool and billiard league play. Billy excelled in eight ball, nine ball and Scotch doubles. He served as a team captain and participated in several championship teams and won the Texas State Championships. One of his annual highlights was to travel and compete in the national BCA tournaments, where his week would be filled with team play, Scotch doubles and open singles. Billy had a large influence in Amarillo, instructing and mentoring many young and old pool players at every level.
Later in life, Billy was especially proud of being baptized and welcomed to the world of Jesus Christ. Billy will be remembered for his big smile and unmistakable laughter.
