Mike Collins, age 49, passed away at his residence in Sturgis, Mississippi on July 29, 2016. He was a retired equipment operator for Oktibbeha County. Mike was a member of the Sturgis Baptist Church, one of the founders of the Sturgis motorcycle rally, served as vice mayor and on the Board of Alderman for the town of Sturgis, a former fireman and E.M.T , played a guitar for the Longview Opera, loved the Mississippi State Bulldogs, and loved to ride his motorcycle.

Visitation will be held Sunday, July 31, 2016 at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville from 5 – 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Monday, August 1 in the Sturgis Baptist Church at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in the Sturgis Cemetery. Reverend Russell Mord will conduct the services.

Mike is survived by his wife of 32 years, Talida Holdiness Collins of Sturgis; sons, Lee Collins and his wife, Deanne Bourassia of Sturgis and Chris Collins of Sturgis; parents, Derrell and Rachel Collins of Sturgis; grandmother, Pennsylvania Clark of Macon; one grandchild, Mason Collins; He was preceded in death by his grandfather, R.W. Clark.

Memorials may be made to Blair Batson’s Children Hospital, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216-4505.