William David Payne, longtime director of Camp Baldwin in Elberta, died unexpectedly Oct. 7 from complications following open-heart surgery. He was 70.
Payne was director of Camp Baldwin, a ministry of the Baldwin Baptist Association, from 1992 until his retirement in 2018. The retreat and recreation ministry center grew during that time from a seasonal summer camp for children and youth to a full-time, year-round ministry.
Rick Ellison, director of missions for Baldwin Baptist Association, called it “an incredible honor and joy” to work with Payne.
“Camp Baldwin has a vibrant ministry today thanks to David’s vision and committed leadership,” Ellison told The Alabama Baptist. “Thousands of lives have been touched for Christ through the camp. The current leadership at the camp continues to move forward and build on that dream.
Friendship, service
“I am very grateful for David’s friendship through the years as we planned and served God together. He will always be remembered for his service at Camp Baldwin and for his walk with Christ.”
During his 51-year ministry career, Payne also served as a minister of music/youth at several churches in Alabama (Abbeville, Dothan, Brundidge, Gulf Shores, Magnolia Springs, Bon Secour) and Arkansas (Marianna).
A native of Toccoa, Georgia, Payne was a music major at Troy University. He was preceded in death by his son, William David Payne II. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Pam; his daughter, Jennifer; four grandchildren; his mother, Jean Payne; and many other relatives.
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