Dr. Michael Payer, of Huntsville, passed away on Friday, November 2nd, 2018. He was 83 years old. Dr. Payer was born July 26, 1935 in East Chicago, Indiana to Mike and Marie Payer.
After graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 1957, he served in the Army National Guard then he went to Indian University School of Dentistry. Dr. Payer embarked in the journey of a lifetime; he married the love of his life, Nina Jean Freeman, on December 27, 1958. Theirs was a love story that would defy all odds, built on the strongest of foundations and a true example of Christian marriage. She was his muse, his greatest treasure, his Nina Jean.
In 1965, Dr. Payer opened his dental practice in Huntsville, AL, after graduating from Indiana University of Dentistry. His passion for his work was obvious with how he treated his patients. He loved dentistry and every patient that walked through his doors. After 40 years of dedicated service to his patients and his community his health started to decline, and he was no longer able to practice.
If you were honored enough to know Dr. Payer, count yourself blessed as he was truly a beautiful soul who touched the hearts of everyone he crossed paths with. While Dr. Payer was an accomplished dentist, who gave people beautiful smiles, he also loved to capture those smiles and the essence of those he loved through the lens of a camera. He would not only light up a room with the ability to tell a story that would rival Mark Twain. He would take you back in time with such detail and precision that you felt like you were experiencing history with him first hand. He was also a gifted musician who brought a note of magic to church Christmas Parties and family gatherings by effortlessly playing an old timey tune on his accordion.
Though his accomplishments were great, by his own estimation, his greatest were his two sons, Michael Payer, Jr. (Little Mickey) and Scott Payer. Big Mickey (as he was known to friends and family) demonstrated patience, love, and admiration for his boys and that love was evident every time you were around them. They weren’t just his sons, but his best friends and his greatest achievements.
Dr. Michael Payer is survived by his wife, Nina Freeman Payer; two sons, Michael Payer, Jr. and Scott Payer; sister, Diane Burnett of San Jose, CA; four nieces; five great nieces; and three great nephews.
He was a member of Mayfair Church of Christ.
Visitation will be from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Monday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rainbow Omega (home of mentally challenged), at PO Box 740, Eastaboga, AL 36260.
