Michael “Mike” Hura Payne, known affectionately to his family and some close friends as Diggy, was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a role model to many. He passed away at home on June 24, 2023, surrounded by family after a battle with cancer.
Michael was born in Keokee, Virginia on September 3, 1942, to Hura Harrison Payne and Elzie Duff Payne. He graduated from Nyack High School in Nyack, NY where his father was a teacher. Michael earned a degree in History from Blackburn College and a master’s degree in History from Illinois State University. He began a teaching career at Nyack High School under the mentorship of his father and his father’s colleagues. During the summer, Mike worked as a counselor at Camp Deerkill in Suffern, NY, which is still operating today. He met the beautiful Jeanne Kathleen Kowalik, a fellow teacher and counselor, at Camp Deerkill. They were married in 1966.
Michael began his career in the insurance industry with Connecticut General Life Insurance in New York. His job required a move to New Orleans and another move to work with Boon-Chapman in Austin, Texas in 1976 where he made many lifelong friendships. He achieved a number of professional designations throughout his career, including FLMI. After leaving Boon-Chapman, Michael was a partner in Claims Services Resource Group, a specialty claims processing company. He sold his interest in CSRG and joined the Texas Hospital Association. He retired after a long career in 2011.
Though his career was in the insurance industry, he had a lifelong passion and interest in history. He had a mind for detail and an amazing recall of information. He was the person you wanted on your Trivial Pursuit team. He enjoyed travel both domestically and abroad. History was something to be seen and experienced, not just read. He had a particular interest in World War II and one of his favorite trips was to the beaches of Normandy. Jeanne and Mike visited every Presidential library in the United States.
Michael was a loving father to his daughters, Sarah and Allison. He was always present at tennis tournaments, soccer games and swim meets. He could fix nearly anything around the house.
Michael loved his grandchildren, Austin, the Longhorns and the warm weather, which allowed him to golf nearly year round. He was a long time member of Great Hills Country Club, where he served on the board and various committees. He treasured his regular golf groups and their friendship. Michael and Jeanne are devoted members of St. Theresa Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; daughter, Sarah (Barry) Senterfitt; daughter, Allison (Andy) Cates; grandchildren, Meredith Senterfitt, Reed Senterfitt, Stephen Cates, and Frances Cates; sister, Nancy (Robert) Osinoff and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A memorial mass will be at St. Theresa Catholic Church on Friday, June 30th at 10 a.m. A reception will follow after the service at Great Hills Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Austin or St. Theresa Catholic Church. The family would like to thank Hospice Austin, Dr. Declan Fleming and Dr. Anna Capasso of UT Health Austin and Dr. Mason Mileur.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishnorth.com for the Payne family.
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