Richard “ Butch” Payne

Richard Elihu Payne affectionately known as Butch was born on July 8th, 1949, to the late Ulysess and Dorothy Payne. On Tuesday, November 12th, Butch transitioned into eternal rest and was greeted by his sister, Avis Payne Maiden, and two brothers, Elwood and William Payne.

Butch joined Grant’s Hill Baptist at an early age accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior. He later transferred his membership to St. Aloysius Catholic Church where he served as a music director. 

During his elementary school days, his mother took him to have piano lessons with Odessa Weldon for $0.25. Butch continued those classes all through high school. He learned to play several musical instruments but became a “Maestro of the Piano”. He graduated from A.T. Johnson High School in 1967 with distinction. After high school, he attended Virginia State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education on May 23rd,1971. Following his matriculation from VSU, Butch taught music to the students of Alexandria Public Schools including John Adams Elementary School, William Ramsay Elementary School, and James K. Polk Elementary School. 

As an exemplary music teacher, Butch worked with many students of diverse abilities and backgrounds recognizing their remarkable musical talents. Under Butch’s direction, the chorus was one of the highlights of the school. They performed at the Annual Chamber of Commerce event, City Hall events, Alexandria Market Square performances, promotion ceremonies, holiday events, concerts and other school related activities. 

In 2007, Butch joined forces to form the Richard Payne Trio with two other enormously talented musicians, Rudy Spruill and Roderick Johnson. The group’s blend of jazz, gospel, and classical music has engaged national and international audiences with their intricate sound of musical tapestries over the years. The Trio skillfully combined its respective instrumentation to create memorable melodies. They exude an energy that allows them to create music that touches the spirit; and reflects life experiences, the way of the world, as well as personal and philosophical beliefs. Every improvisational segment is compelling and soothing to the ear.

In 2008, he took the position of Assistant Director of Music at Unity of Washington DC and in 2012, became the Director of Music. Years prior, he debuted as a guest musician rendering his services for special programs and providing musical support to the choir and the music ministry. As Director of Music, Richard saw potential in the choir members and musicians with whom he worked with. He valued and cultivated their individual gifts and talents. New soloists and conductors emerged from this process. 

Under Richard’s leadership, the music ministry grew to include a diverse repertoire of many genres of music. Over the years, the choir and musicians built a reputation that drew large audiences for the annual performances at church, to singing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Richard was lovingly referred to as Maestro because in the truest sense of the word, he had distinguished himself as a teacher, mentor and musician par excellence as he would provide professional music consulting and coaching for musicians and organizations. Best described as the “Soul and Spirit” at the piano, Richard was a legendary performer who released several CDs featuring his solo piano selections. Each piece reflected his sensitivity and introspective philosophy of life. Every person whose life Richard touched is better for it.

Left to carry his legacy and cherish fond memories are: one nephew, Henry Maiden Jr. (Kathy) of Ruther Glen, VA; four nieces, Carolyn Johnson (James) of Oak Grove, VA, Valerie Shelton (William) of Warsaw, VA, Marion Bailey of Oak Grove, VA, and Bonita Fulcher (William) of Montross, VA; five dearest friends, Norman and Bettye Bentley (his soul sister as he called her), Michael Brown, Hector Carias, and Lois Johnson; and a host of great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins, and friends he loved deeply.

A Memorial Service for Richard “Butch” Payne will be held on Saturday, November 23 at 1PM in the sanctuary of the Shiloh Baptist Church, 1126 Stratford Hall Road , Montross, Virginia.

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