He graduated from Chattanooga High school in 1962 and attended the University of Chattanooga, now UTC.
During his 50-year career of computer programming, he worked for several local companies with the majority being at Olan Mills and retiring from Lifetouch National School Studios.
He was very involved with the Boy Scouts serving as Pack Leader/Boy Scout Troop Leader and Committee Member with several scout units over the years. He received the Boy Scout District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver Medal. He was active as a Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow Talidandaganu’ Lodge 293, receiving the Advisor of the year, and worked on staff at two National Boy Scout Jamborees.
Mike was an active member of First-Centenary United Methodist Church and was instrumental in helping to up the television ministry and continued to work in this ministry for over 45 years. He was active in the Chattanooga-LaFayette Emmaus Community.
He enjoyed many interests including electronics/ham radio, leather work, and woodworking and was fascinated by airplanes and flying. He also enjoyed playing the organ and liked to listen and watch theater organ performances.
He was preceded by his parents and is survived by his wife of 57 years, Martha Price Payne. His sons Bill Payne (Angie) Chattanooga, Johnathan Payne (Andrea), Skagway, Alaska, foster son Dustin Fisher (Tammy) Chattanooga. His grandchildren: Jackson Payne; Victoria and Calvin Payne; Alex, Emily and Noah Fisher; brother, Pat Payne (Marty), Chattanooga, and Sister Nancy Franks (Richard), Huntsville. His sisters-in-law: Charlotte Lowe and Margaret Atchley (Jim). Nephews: James Franks, Gregg and David Watkins. Nieces: Alice Yielding, Ann Marie McBryar, Heather Hodge and Meredith DeBusk.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family wants to thank the MICU staff at Memorial Hospital and Hospice of Chattanooga for their compassionate care.
The family will receive friends from 11 am until 12:30 pm on Thursday, June 15, at First – Centenary United Methodist Church, 419 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37402.
A Celebration of Mike’s Life will follow at 12:30 pm on Thursday at First-Centenary United Methodist Church with Reverend Michelle Hunter officiating. Burial will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens. Members of the church television crew will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given in Mike’s memory to the Television Ministry at First-Centenary United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 208, Chattanooga, TN 37401
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
