Affectionately known as “Willie P.”, he was born November 6, 1977, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and attended both Malabar and Madison Comprehensive High School. In 1995, Will enlisted in the Army where he briefly served with the Army National Guard in Mansfield, Ohio, as a Heavy Wheeled Mechanic. He quickly transitioned to active duty and was sent to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he initially served with the 3/101st AVN, 101st ABN DIV and continued to serve as a Heavy Wheeled Mechanic. Following a deeper call to serve, he then re-classed into the Infantry B Co 1/187th INF REGT, 101st ABN DIV “Rakkasans”. While at Fort Campbell, Will graduated from the Sabalauski Air Assault School also known as the “Ten Toughest Days in the Army” and received his Air Assault Badge. He also graduated “Jump School” from Fort Benning and earned his Military Parachutist Badge. In 2000, he transferred to Fort Lewis (now known as Joint Base Lewis-McChord) and was assigned to A Co. 5/20th INF REGT, 3rd SBCT 2nd INF DIV “Samarra Ghost Riders”.
Will served with distinction as a Squad Leader in Attack Company 5/20 Infantry 3/2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team. His leadership was instrumental to ensure the Army's transformation towards Medium Brigades able to rapidly deploy anywhere in the world within ninety-six hours. Will's platoon was hand selected to meet and provide demonstration for the Chief of Staff Eric Shinseki at Millennium Challenge. While there, Will also received an Expert Infantryman's Badge and his Army Ranger Tab. While on active duty, Will deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Global War on Terrorism.
Will was very proud of work with the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs where he worked as a Civil Engineering Technician. He lived by the mottos under which he served: “Let Valor Not Fail” and “To the Limit!”
Will was a lifelong learner, had a mischievous personality and a huge grin that would make you smile back. He was an honest man who told it like it was even if it may make someone uncomfortable.
Will loved to cook, ride motorcycles, and had a passion for collecting which earned him the nickname “Fred Sanford”. He was always tinkering on some project—never backing down from the biggest project—and enjoyed helping his neighbors. He had a special part of his heart dedicated to all animals. His love for his sons and daughter was overflowing.
Will is survived by his wife, Laura McKenzie Payne; mother and stepfather, Peggy and Ed Bollinger; father, Gary Payne; four sons, Ryan (Jay) Payne, Andrew Payne, Masen Verduce and Ashten Verduce; a daughter, Kailyn Verduce; grandson, Rio Payne; sister, Nikki (Danny) Fannin; grandfather, Roger Bollinger; aunt, Sherry Shaffer; niece, Aubre’ (Austin) McLeod; two nephews, Danny Ray and Ayden Fannin; and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Annie and Earle Shaffer; grandmother, Jackie Bollinger; uncles, Michael (Sondra) Shaffer and Joseph Shaffer; aunt, Susie (Danny) Simones; special friends, SFC Carlos M. Santos-Silva and George DeVack; and his service dog, LeRoy.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Wappner Funeral Directors-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Friday at 11:00 a.m. with additional visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest in Bellville Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Richland County.
