The Greenville Advocate

08/12/2026

Greenville’s inaugural Artwalk filled downtown with artists, dance, interactive exhibits, food and family activities Aug. 7-8.

08/12/2026

Reid State Community College celebrated 36 practical nursing graduates with a traditional pinning and candle lighting ceremony July 31.

08/12/2026

Butler County’s calendar includes a softball camp, library activities, free skid steer training, recovery meetings, VA memorial rucks and Fall at the Fort.

08/11/2026

LBW Community College honored nearly 50 nursing graduates in White Coat and ADN pinning ceremonies in Greenville and Opp.

08/11/2026

McKenzie ranked No. 8 in Class 1A preseason poll, while Georgiana received votes; Luverne and Lowndes Academy each earned No. 3 rankings.

08/11/2026

A dad, an endless July 4th parade, and a child’s nonstop questions become a reminder that while fathers can’t see life’s whole “parade,” our heavenly Father can.

A dad, an endless July 4th parade, and a child’s nonstop questions become a reminder that while fathers can’t see life’s whole “parade,” our heavenly Father can...

08/11/2026

Dr. William Vance Payne II, 58, of Berryville, Virginia, died Tuesday, Aug. 4, in Montgomery County, Maryland. Vance was born March 7, 1968, in Montgomery County, to parents Sam Payne and Lisa Hargrove Wallace.

Vance worked for almost 30 years as a mechanical engineer for NIST. He took great pride in his work as a mechanical engineer, and there was little that he couldn’t figure out how to fix with his own two hands. The knowledge he gained was never something he kept to himself, however; he was always willing to help others.

He was a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). It was known among his friends and neighbors that anytime one had HVAC problems, Vance would show up to fix it and/or to provide window units to anyone in need. It was a quiet, personal ministry that he was blessed to share with those in need.

Vance’s faith was central to the way he lived. He loved the Lord, studied His word, and sought to show God’s love in everything he did. He was a longtime member of Berryville Baptist Church in Virginia.

Proud of his Alabama roots, Vance was hardworking, capable and deeply devoted to his family. He married Lisa Michelle Ariail on March 9, 2013 in Sandy Ridge. For all that he accomplished in his lifetime, nothing brought him greater joy than his family and his five children.

Vance is survived by his wife, Lisa; four daughters, Shelby Payne of Charleston, South Carolina, Madison Payne of Sandy Ridge, and Clara Payne and Samantha “Sammy” Payne of Berryville, Virginia and his son, Joshua “Joshy” Payne of Berryville, Virginia; four sisters, Laura Williams (Michael) of Dadeville, Collette Ericsson (Roland) of Punta Gorda, Florida, Dr. Leigh Anne Escousse (Brad) of Hendersonville, North Carolina and Angela Klinkhammer (Brian) of Auburn and one brother, Dr. Allen Tucker (Ellen) of Huntsville. He also leaves behind an uncle, Bill Payne of Crawfordville, Florida; cousins, Dr. Paul Payne (Patrea) of Dothan, Mark Payne (Ann) of Tallahassee Florida and Susan Turner (Chuck) of Crawfordville Florida; aunt Mary Martha Autrey of Birmingham and cousins Paige Hannah (Mike) of Fairview, Texas and Rachel Dennis of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

He was preceded in death by his father Sam Payne, mother Lisa Hargrove Wallace, aunt Irene Payne and uncle Gene Autrey.

In Virginia, the family will receive friends on Sunday, Aug. 16, at Berryville Baptist Church from 1 – 3 p.m. A funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. with Rev. Tyler Phillips officiating.

In Alabama, the family will receive friends on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at Sandy Ridge Church in Letohatchee from 9 – 10 a.m. A funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. and burial will follow at Sawyer Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Vance’s ministry, please consider donating to:

Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity’s program, 443 Millwood Ave., Wi******er, VA 22601 http://www.blueridgehabitat.org/donatehomerepair or FISH of Clarke County, P.O. Box 1154, Berryville, VA 22611 https://giving.myamplify.io//app/giving/fishclarkecounty .

Arrangements are being handled by Enders & Shirley Funeral Home, Berryville and by McDonald Family Funeral Home.

Dr. William Vance Payne II, 58, of Berryville, Virginia, died Tuesday, Aug. 4, in Montgomery County, Maryland. Vance was born March 7, 1968, in Montgomery County, to parents Sam Payne and Lisa Hargrove Wallace.

08/11/2026

A Georgiana man was arrested after authorities said a pursuit reached 113 mph, crossed into Butler County and ended in a crash involving a River Falls police vehicle.

A Georgiana man was arrested after authorities said a pursuit reached 113 mph, crossed into Butler County and ended in a crash involving a River Falls police ve...

08/10/2026

A woman who filed for divorce after her husband’s cheating struggles to understand why she still misses him and grieves their marriage.

08/10/2026

Butler County receives $120,000 as DOJ awards nearly $290 million in Justice Assistance Grants to support public safety and criminal justice efforts.