WILMINGTON — Michael Collins Sr., age 70, of Wilmington, North Carolina passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
Michael Layden Collins Sr. has always bounced back. Call it stubborn, call it loyal, call it amazing, he gave us all everything he had until the end. He passed peacefully surrounded with love in his house filled with family and friends on September 21, 2024.
You may have called him Mike, Spider Mike, Fred, Dad, Grandpa, or even Uncle Great. He would tell you to call him whatever you want, just don’t call him late for dinner. Mike was born November 24, 1953 in Bartow, Florida, but his birth certificate said Tampa. His family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina in the early ‘60s where he attended New Hanover High School.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeanette and John Collins. He is survived by his children Amanda Thomas of Hampstead, Kristin Collins of Wilmington, Michael Collins Jr. and wife Caitlin of Raleigh. Also his grandchildren Jacob, Ashlyn, Sailor, Weston; his brothers John and wife Rowena of Goose Creek, SC and Patrick Collins of Wilmington; nieces Evelyn, Caroline and favorite nephew Johnny; Joel and Lisa Humphrey, numerous great friends and neighbors.
Mike loved to work. In his early years he worked on transmissions, then for the City of North Myrtle Beach. Later, he worked in pest control and managed the most successful branch in the Carolinas. He also loved to sell. Mike loved games; be it checkers, chess, cards, pool or a good arm wrestling match. He would say his decline in health began in the late ‘70s when the Pinto fell on him, but he’s always been thankful it wasn’t a Cadillac.
We are most grateful to the help of his caretakers Glenda, Becca, & Genny. Our sincerest thanks to all of his healthcare workers with Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice.
A celebration of life will be on October 25th at 6:30 pm, The Slice of Life Porter’s Neck.
