Melchior “Mike” Jennings Jr., 80, of Columbus, GA, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 18, 2025. He is preceded in death by his parents, Melchior “Mike” Jennings Sr., Louise Jennings, sister Mary Colwell “Collie” Mullin, and wife, Martha “Billie” Jennings. He is survived by his children, Mike Jennings III (Lauren) and Collie Spakes (Justin); and his grandchildren, Charlotte and Mason Jennings.
Born on March 2, 1945, in Columbus, GA, he attended Trinity School and later graduated from Columbus High School. His academic pursuits continued at Columbus College, where he was also a talented athlete.
Athletics played a central role in Mike’s early life. In his youth, he was an avid water skier, famously skiing off the beach of Lake Oliver for his senior yearbook photo in the middle of winter. Tennis and racquetball were other passions; he starred on the tennis team at Columbus College and passed on his skills, teaching his children the game.
Following in his father's footsteps, Mike learned “instinct shooting,” a marksmanship method developed by his father using the teachings of Lucky McDaniel. He was a skilled shooter and accomplished bird hunter who earned the affectionate nickname “Bird” among friends. His expertise and enthusiasm led him to found Jennings Quail Run in South Georgia, where he hosted many celebrity quail hunts. Mike was also known for training dogs in both hunting and obedience. The outdoors was not just a hobby—it was a way of life for both Mike and Billie.
His adventurous spirit took him far beyond Georgia. He traveled throughout North and Central America, pursuing big game, bird hunts, and fishing trips that created lifelong memories. Each trip reflected appreciation for the outdoors. In later years, he and Billie traveled for leisure, enjoying destinations around the world and regular family trips out west to ski and visit their children.
The Jennings were also very active within the Glenwood School community, where both of their children graduated in 2000. They were devoted supporters of the athletic program for many years, rarely missing a baseball or football game.
A visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Striffler-Hamby Funeral Home in Columbus, located at 4071 Macon Rd., Columbus, GA 31907.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1130 First Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901, followed by a Graveside Committal Service at Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907.
