Gregory W. Collins, 71, of Plymouth, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 13, 2021. Greg was born on October 15, 1949 in Detroit to Vince and Liz (nee: Toepfer) Collins. Greg was the youngest of their three sons. He graduated from Cody High School in 1967 and attended Ferris State University. Upon completing his first Associates Degree he went into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Texas. After his honorable discharge, Greg re-entered Ferris State University and received a second Associates Degree in Drafting. That led to his 30 year career with Ford Motor Company in Body Design in the Pre-Program Department. He retired from Ford in 2008. Greg joined Detroit Biomedical part-time and maintained their vehicle fleet until 2019.
In 1976 Greg met his future wife, Cheryl Johnston, at Michigan State University. They married on June 2, 1979 at North Congregational Church in Southfield. Later they added their sons Chris in 1985 and Trevor in 1991 to the family. When not working Greg enjoyed time in his garage, golfing, playing softball for the Mighty Cyclones in the Ford League, and volleyball. A favorite destination was the family cottage in Grayling for snowmobiling, downhill skiing, riding dirt bikes, and tubing on Lake Margarethe. When golfing he always drove to the course in his prized ’66 Mustang convertible. Another highlight of each summer was the Theta Alpha Sigma Fraternity Canoe trip on the Pine River.
In addition to his loving wife of 41 years sons, Cheryl; Greg is survived by his sons, Chris (Kathy Harms), and Trevor (Tasha Gobin); brothers, Vince (Helen Gilbert) Collins, and John (Maura) Collins; brother-in-law, Bob (Kirsten) Johnston; nephews, Colin, Matthew, Brendan, and Michael; nieces, Brittany (Mike) Luck, and Lauren (Steve) McNeill.
Due to Covid-19 attendance restrictions, a private memorial service will be held Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. You may join the service remotely at the FaceBook page of Northville Christian Assembly.
Memorials in memory of Greg may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 3 International Drive, Suite 200; Rye Brook, NY 10573 (888) 557-7177 (www.lls.org).
Please share a memory of Greg or condolences with his family at his online guest book below.
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Leukemia & Lymphoma Society3 International Drive, Rye Brook, New York 10573
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