Michael Joseph Collins

Mike was born in Birmingham, Alabama to Howard Whittier Collins and Virginia Pettus Collins on September 28, 1945. Spending family time with his dad learning life’s values while hunting deer made for some of his fondest childhood memories. The instilled love for hunting followed him throughout his life. Education was an important aspect of Mike’s rearing, since his dad only obtained an elementary school education, even though his mother became a 4th grade teacher. Later in life, Virginia Collins began the Annie Pettus Moore-Virginia Pettus Collins Scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College in memory of her beloved aunt. The memories of both parents fastidiously working towards their own goals in life pushed Mike to never quit and always strive to do better in his own. Mike eventually transferred to Gainesville Georgia for secondary schooling, where he graduated from Riverside Preparatory Academy in 1964. Later he went on to attend Jacksonville State University where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1973.

Mike’s enlistment in the United States Navy as a Construction Battalion Seabee carried him to the battlefields of Vietnam, where he thanked the good Lord for his survival during the 1968 Tet Offensive. A lapse in judgement was responsible for a short stint enlistment in the United States Army as a Heavy Construction Equipment Operator but ultimately back to the United States Navy Seabee Battalion. His military career spanned almost three decades covering 29 years; not only to include Vietnam Conflicts but also deployments in support of the Iraq War in 1990 and 1991, supporting Operation Desert Storm/Shield. His satisfaction of attaining a bachelor’s degree combined with the eventual bittersweet retirement from the United States Naval Reserves in 2005 were some of his proudest moments.

Mike’s service was not only overseas but also in his beloved state of Alabama. After earning his degree in Business, Mike and his dear friend Steve put their talents together to become profitable motorcycle business owners. Mike never seemed to have time to enjoy riding his own motorcycles while operating the business, so he sold his share to his partner.

Eventually Mike began work with the Alabama Department of Transportation as an Engineering Assistant. He worked hard and rose through promotional ranks to eventually obtain the position of Assistant Testing Engineer for the Bureau of Materials and Tests in Montgomery, Alabama. He eventually was able to retire from the State Transportation Department and move home to L.A. “Lower Alabama” permanently. Mike’s dedication to a long career with AL DOT was partially inspired by the proud family memory of when his father retired from US Steel in Birmingham, Alabama. That encouraged Mike to pursue his earliest ambition of his own retirement in a life that had a purpose. While working on a bridge job for the State of Alabama as an Engineering Assistant, Michael Collins met another State Inspector who transferred onto the job. They worked independently and together on many aspects of that bridge contract. That person was Chris Lowry. One conversation in particular about a topographic map of Baldwin County evolved into both party’s desire to move to that area and make it their permanent home. Chris in excitement declared, “O good, maybe someday we’ll be neighbors!” Nonetheless, that statement almost became true-rather than being friendly neighbors they became married partners in February of 2000. They eventually got transfers to Lower Alabama and moved to Lillian in early 2001 and the rest is history.

A good joke always brought a smile to Mike, but nothing like encountering a friend or potential acquaintance. Friendships knew no bounds making him so very special to everyone he met. Michael’s retirement from the labor force allowed him the time to become involved with American Legion Post 48 in Lillian, Alabama. He was actively involved in meetings, projects, and special events. Mike’s analytical prowess allowed him to serve as the Legion Treasurer during his tenure. Mike’s commitment to his position and fellow veterans was never light-hearted. His faith, his family, his friendships, his work, his hobbies, were life-long commitments and never given without merit. Those that knew him can take comfort in knowing that they will see him once again when they too are called home by their same Lord and Savior.

Mike never had a favorite color because he was color-blind, red-green deficient. That means he sees most objects kind of beige-brown with hues of shades of olive green. So, he never really had an appreciation for floral arrangements or growing foliage. Mike has previously requested that in lieu of gifts and/or flowers please donate to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

A visitation for Michael will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 New Warrington Road, Pensacola, FL 32506, followed by a Funeral Service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM with rendering of honors from Honor Guard.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oaklawnfunerals.com for the Collins family.