Michael Fitzgerald “Mike” Collins, a beloved father, son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on January 16, 2026, at the age of 61, in the comfort of his home. He was born on May 22, 1964, in Greensboro.
Michael was the son of Willie Albert Collins Sr. and Viola Collins, who both preceded him in death, along with siblings Willie Collins Jr., Catherine Collins, Tricia Collins Stahl and Samuel Collins Sr. He gave his life to Christ at an early age and later, in adulthood, rededicated his life to Christ and was baptized.
Michael was the life of the party at family gatherings, and his infectious smile would light up a room. He always greeted you with a big smile and a warm hug. There was never a dull moment with him. He touched so many lives with his larger-than-life personality, his willingness to help others and his kind spirit.
Michael was blessed with a large family, which included his daughter Khadijah Zanders of Gallion, Alabama, and his fiancée Jennifer Williams of Greensboro, Alabama. He leaves to cherish his memories his sisters Katie Collins, Chellie (Everett) Thomas and Latoya Collins-Booker; as well as his brothers Timothy Collins, Harry (Robyn) Collins, Fredrick (Rollease) Collins, Kelvin (Shalanda) Collins and Willie (TaQuanda) Collins.
His family circle extended to include a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, bonus grands/kids, other relatives, and his best friend Harry Davis of Sawyerville, Alabama, along with many other countless friends who will miss him dearly.
He was a proud graduate of Greensboro Public School East, Class of 1983, where he played on the boys varsity basketball team. He was better known, as his teammates would quote, as Mike “Shake ’em up” Collins. In his early years, he also played junior high football on Team U12.
Growing up, Mike learned several family and trade skills as a teen. He learned to paint, install carpet and floors, and do carpentry. He was your all-around handyman and was always there to lend a helping hand. Mike also enjoyed hobbies such as fishing, dancing, and going out to eat with his fiancée on Sundays after church.
Mike had a good sense of fashion. He enjoyed styling himself with nice suits, a plethora of hats and shades, and a clean cut.
Mike will be remembered for his playful spirit, infectious smile, sense of humor, witty quotes and his love for God. He had a personality out of this world and a different nickname for all of his personalities — Mike, Miguel and Fitzgerald. That’s what made him so lovable. His love for his family was unmatched.
His presence will definitely be missed at every family gathering, but his spirit will always remain. A life so beautifully lived definitely deserves to be remembered. One of his famous quotes that he will always be remembered by is: “Understanding is the best thing in the world.”
Funeral services for Mr. Michael Fitzgerald “Mike” Collins were held Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 4209 AL-14, Greensboro, with Rev. Calvin Johnson officiating and Sister Kimberly Skipper serving as mistress of ceremony.
