Michael Edward Collins, age 66, passed away November 3, 2025 at Seacoast Hospital in Little River, SC. Born in Shelby, NC on July 11, 1959, he was the son of Jerry and Marie "Babe" Collins.

A 1977 graduate of Shelby High School, Mike went on to earn both a BA and MBA in Business Administration while working full-time at Duke Energy. His 34-year career with the company began at Riverbend Fossil Station continued through Catawba Nuclear Station, and culminated in his role as Supervisor of Workforce Inprocessing at the Kings Mountain Generation Support Facility, where he retired in 2015.

Mike was a member of First United Methodist Church in Belmont, NC. Mike loved the Lord with all his heart and soul. He was a Master Mason of the Mt. Holly Masonic Lodge #544, and was a member of the Scottish Rite.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, and beloved nephew, Adam Collins. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 44 years, Gale Floyd Collins. They both loved the beach and taking cruises with dear friends.

Mike had a passion for fishing and enjoyed almost 20 years fishing on the Sea Cabin Pier in Cherry Grove, SC. He was a magnet for youngsters who wanted to learn how to fish. He inspired and taught many young people to fish, from his nieces and nephews to total strangers who would simply say "can you show me how to do that?" He especially loved seeing children catch their first fish.

Mike is survived by his brother, David Collins and wife Debra of Lawndale, NC. Sister-in-law, Rhonda Kiser and Tim Bowen of Calabash, NC; brother-in-law, Neal Floyd and wife Karen of Cornelius, NC. His nieces, Cortlan Allen Zaludek and husband, Jake of Sunset Beach NC, Caroline Allen Thebeau and husband, Dan of Murrells Inlet, SC and nephews Colby Kiser of Glendale, AZ and Matthew Floyd of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by 8 great nieces and nephews. Mike also has several aunts and cousins who were very special to him.

A celebration of Mike's life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 2:00 at the Calabash Marina at 1207 Riverview Drive, Calabash, NC 28467. Casual attire.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Samaritan's Purse (samaritanspurse.org) or Clifford's Army Rescue (cliffordsarmyrescue.com) or any animal rescue of your choice.