Celebrating the Life of William Payne

Will,
What can I say, he was my best friend and son.
Funny and quiet, giggly and smiling. Loving and caring for everyone around him.
He was my life. We did so much together.
Holidays, football, tennis and even hitting a few golf balls on the driving range, Will loved sport.
Following his dreams to become a Sports Coach and Teach.
His short life has touched so many and inspired so many.
I will always remember my son smiling as I left him at his halls of residence flat.
Will you will always be with me, never forgotten and always loved.
Dad
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX"

Will was a player for Wolves Foundation from a young age, and his experience here taught him the power of sport to change lives.

This inspired Will throughout school. He achieved triple distinction in sport and followed his dream of studying BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Sports Coaching at the University of Staffordshire.

His dream was to be a PE teacher, coach and mentor and inspire children and young people - particularly those with additional needs.

Will embodied the spirit of altruism and selflessness. In addition to football, he also loved quizzes and tennis. He loved his family, music, gaming and visiting football stadiums on his travels.

A particular highlight of his short life was playing on the Molineux pitch at half-time between Wolves and Aston Villa - the support of the crowd that day inspired him greatly.

Will was loved by everyone who knew him. He was so very happy, and had found peak happiness at university.

He rose to every challenge life threw at him, including epilepsy - he battled through to achieve so much.

His life has been tragically cut short and we are utterly broken. We hope that you would consider honouring Will today with a donation to Wolves Foundation to allow them to reach many more people to change lives through sport.

Will was one of my good friends, he always made me laugh and smile. He was a hard worker in every way! He never gave up on himself or on anything. He’s passion was football and playing football. He played with us in the wolves foundation team. We played together for 10 years. He was a good player always telling us “let’s go and let’s win the games” he also said “if we lose a game we’ll come back stronger and better” when he said that it touched my heart because he always believed in he's team.

I’m very upset about wills death, he never deserved to die so young. All he wanted to do was… help people and Become a PE teacher/football coach.
Because that was he’s passion to do.

Thank you, Harry Kirkpatrick (rest in peace my good friend)

Will was my lovely grandson. He was so beautiful, caring, mild mannered and funny.
He loved visiting Nans cafe and picking what he wanted each week. I miss him so much. Being at the table, loving his meals. Chatting in the lounge about sport and holidays.
I watched him grow up over his very short but wonderful 19years.
He made me proud so many times.
Playing football at half time at Molineux and beating Villa. Completing his Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards. Then getting brilliant result in his exams in Sixth form. Our little lad grew up too quickly.
He got himself to University in 2024. This was so so brilliant for him.
He grew into life.
So many kind words have been said about or Will.
We all think about our times with Will in our lives. They were far too short, brilliant though to see.

Love Nan
With some Help from your Dad as I can't work a computer still.