Michael Lynn Payne

Michael Lynn Payne passed away on August 13, 2018 at the age of 58. He was born September 3, 1959 in Dayton, Texas. Michael is preceded in death by his parents Jacqueline Anderson Payne and Barney Clifton Payne. He is survived by his sons Marcus Clifton Payne, Nolan Michael Payne and daughter Jacqueline Margaret Payne, brothers Barney Ray Payne and Gary Clifton Payne.

As a youth Michael was an outstanding athlete and was acknowledged by a former coach as the best athlete he had coached in his 50 year career. After graduating from Stratford High School, he then graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in Accounting. He then went on to the University of Arkansas and graduated with a degree in Finance. Michael worked in the accounting and financial departments of several major corporations in his career. He enjoyed coaching his children’s sports teams which he parlayed into a second career of refereeing and umpiring youth sports for two decades.

Anyone that knew Michael quickly realized he was an avid Arkansas Razorback. He traveled across the country to see his beloved Razorbacks play numerous times through the years.

Michael dearly loved his three children. He relished spending time with them and was so proud of their academic and athletic accomplishments. He always spoke about Marcus, Nolan, and Jacqueline with love and devotion.