Michael D. Payne was born February 27, 1947, in Fargo, North Dakota, and spent most of his life in Virginia. He passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024, surrounded by family and friends.

Mike served in the Army, with a tour in Vietnam, and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He spent 37 years working for the federal government, primarily at the National Institutes of Health. After retiring, he devoted many hours to volunteering, serving at USO Dulles and USO Bethesda, Travelers Aid, Dulles Airport, and Wolf Trap.

Colleagues remembered him as unfailingly friendly and helpful, the kind of person who made an impression with his warmth rather than his title. He was a member of ACBL Unit 218, the Northern Virginia Bridge Association.

He is survived by his significant other, Merle Tigert; his children, Frank, Jason, and Caroline; his sister, Pam; and several grandchildren.