Michael J. Payne, 70, of Rock Island, died Thursday, May 8, 2014 at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Rock Island.Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Rock Island with a prayer service to follow at 4:00 p.m. Private inurnment will be at the Calvary Mausoleum, Rock Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Quad Cities Greyhound Adoption or to the Quad City Botanical Center.

Michael was born April 12, 1944 in Marietta, Ga., a son of James and Cecelia Beine Payne. He married Marilyn Kisch on Aug. 20, 1972 in West Bend, Minn.

Michael taught English, health and geography in the Moline Public Schools for 36 years and retired in 2002 from Woodrow Wilson Middle School. He was also an art educator and local artist. His art pieces have been displayed in local galleries.

Survivors include his sons and daughters-in-law, James and Sara Payne, St. Paul, Minn. and Alexander and Emily Payne, Peoria, Ill.; grandchildren, Aaron Payne, Peoria and Harper Payne, St. Paul; brothers and sisters, Terence (Patty) Payne, St. Louis, Kathleen (Michael) Wynn, Milan, Robert Payne, Rock Island, Thomas (Gail) Payne, Rock Island, Mary (Fred) Bain, Rock Island, and Joseph (Cherie) Payne, Rock Island; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences may be left at wheelanpressly.com.