William Andrew "Bill" Payer

Wow, what a ride!

William Andrew "Bill" Payer, 78, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Born on October 16, 1946, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bill moved to Cleveland, Ohio, at a young age. There, he developed a lifelong passion for Cleveland sports teams and the Buckeyes. Go Bucks!

Bill earned a degree in Journalism from The Ohio State University, which paved the way for a successful career in broadcast television. Throughout his career, he built enduring friendships and cultivated a vast network of colleagues nationwide, leading many stations to award-winning status for excellence in investigative journalism and audience growth. 

In retirement, Bill dedicated himself to volunteering with various organizations, using his time and talents to impact the lives of others quietly yet profoundly. He was admired for his intellectual depth, sharp wit, strong sense of fairness, and unapologetically being himself and true to what he believed was just and accurate.

Above all else, family was the cornerstone of Bill’s life. He cherished his fifty-six-year marriage to Veronica, whom he met in high school and adored deeply.

Bill’s legacy will be remembered by those who knew him as one of integrity, humor, and devotion. May his memory bring comfort to all who were fortunate enough to spend time with him. 

He often recited a quote from one of his favorite authors, Hunter S. Thompson:

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a ride!'". 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, George and Sophia Payer, and brother, Richard Payer. He is survived by his wife, Veronica Payer, daughter Elyssa Melvin (Todd), son Zach Payer (Sharon), granddaughters Jessica, Matea, and Willow, sister Diane Knight, brother Jim Payer, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. 

The family will hold a small private service, and then a celebration of Bill's life for all who wish to attend will be held on Monday, March 31st, at Dunes West Golf and River Club, Mt. Pleasant, SC, 29464 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Elyssa and Zach will coordinate. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to one of the organizations below and welcomes everyone to leave a special memory or other message on the online guest book. As he requested, his ashes will be spread at Cleveland Stadium after the Browns win the Super Bowl.

Donation suggestions:

The Daniel Island Historical Society: mail to: dihistoricalsociety@gmail.com 

The Daniel Island Deep Thinkers and DI Library: mail to: timothy.boyle@berkeleycountysc.gov 

Martha Brian OSU Fund: <https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/600803?fund=600803&gt;

A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.