Michael Collis

Rev. Michael A. Collis, age 52, of Blue Ridge, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, December 2, 2021, in Blairsville, Georgia.

He was born July 23, 1969, in Copperhill, to the late Cecil Homer Collis and Bertha Mae Petty Collis. Michael was saved when he was eight years old and called to ministry in 2007. Since 2009, he has served as Pastor of New River Baptist Church. He also served as the Chaplain for the McCaysville Police Department. Michael graduated from Fannin County High School in 1987 and worked for the Fannin County Road Department for 33 years, last serving as Deputy Director of the Road Sign Office. He was an avid Vols fan and loved Spongebob.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Phillip Collis; and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Helen and Walter Porter.

Michael is survived by his wife of 28 years, Tammy Porter Collis; son, Justin Patterson, of Blue Ridge; daughters, Jessica Marie Dresch and Gracie King, both of Blue Ridge; grandson, Carter Dresch, of Blue Ridge; sister and brother-in-law, Cindi and Danny Shinpaugh, of Epworth; nieces and nephews, Paul Collis, Chuck and Karen Collis, Neil and Rachael Collis, Jessica Shinpaugh, Jason Shinpaugh, Jessica Porter Franklin, Brandon and Renea Stepp and Greg and Kim Stepp; sister-in-law, Sherry Jarrard; brother-in-law, Gary Porter; great-nieces and great-nephews, Owen Stepp, Hudson Franklin and Aubree Franklin; many great-great-nieces and nephews; special friend, Stacy Ensley; and feline and canine companions, Bella and Ginger.

The family would like to express special gratitude toward Dr. Jay Jones, Dr. Laneau Hayes and the nursing staff of Union General Hospital.

Funeral services were conducted Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 3 p.m. from the Akins Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mark Huff and Rev. Denny Hawkins officiating.

Interment followed in the New River Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Scott Johnson, Derrick Conner, Chris Monkus, Rob Ross, Hoyt Green, Justin Patterson, Benny Rogers and Mike Hawkins. Honorary pallbearers were Jamie Hensley, Jackie Warren, Wesley Green, Mutt Ferguson, Richard Vivian, Greg Hullender, Danny Denton, Little Hoyt Green Jr., Ron King, Darrin Conner and employees of Fannin County Public Works, Fannin County Fire and EMS and the Fannin County Courthouse.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Michael to New River Baptist Church c/o Danny Shinpaugh, P.O. Box 963, McCaysville, Georgia, 30555.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.

Akins Funeral Home, of Blue Ridge, was in charge of the arrangements.