Mr. Marion Arthur Payne age 90, of Starke passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at his residence. Mr. Payne was born in Shawtown, Ohio to the late Wilbur Clark and Jessie May (Brecht) Payne and moved to Starke in 1950. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and following his discharge he worked for Marineland doing landscaping, and delivered milk for McCarters Dairy in St. Augustine in 1947. Marion attended classes at Bowling Green State University in Ohio and finished his Bachelors Degree at the University of Florida in 1950, and continued taking classes at UF until receiving a Masters degree in education. He taught business courses for Bradford County and was one of two instructors who started the local DCT program at Bradford High School. Following a two year absence from teaching to sell World Book Encyclopedias, he founded the Bradford County Teachers Credit Union, which later became part of the Educational Credit Union, and now the Florida Credit Union, by investing his own funds as well as finding other investors. He ran the daily operations of the credit union, including loan officer, from his school office and at home after hours. Mr. Payne retired from Bradford County School Board in 1985, as head of data processing. Marion was a member of First Baptist Church of Starke where he served as a Deacon for many years, and volunteered many hours for the Salvation Army, serving as their Human Resources Coordinator, and helping families in need by assisting with the completion of applications. Every December he made himself available for counting the money from the little red buckets at Christmas.Preceding him in death was his wife of 63 years Lucille (Crutchfield) Payne and nine siblings. Survivors are his children: Marty Payne of Minneola, Becky Hall (Stephen) of Orlando, and Nancy Payne of Starke sisters: Lois Sherman and Carrie Walsh both of Findley, Ohio, grandchildren and caregivers Nicole Canipe (Richard) of Starke, great grandchildren: Wyatt Canipe and Josie Canipe. The family will receive friends at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF STARKE on Friday, February 27, 2015 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm with funeral services beginning at 3 oclock. Reverend Ben Bryant, Pastor Scott Crook, and Brother Harry Hatcher will officiate. Interment will follow in Crosby Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church College Fund, P.O. Box 1258, Starke, FL 32091 or Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast, 150 N. Main Street, High Springs, FL 32643. Arrangements are by JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME OF STARKE 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com. hide