Walker Collins' Obituary
Rev. Walker Leroy Collins, Sr. was born on March 11, 1931 in Monticello, Arkansas to Myrtle Ridgell and Harvey Collins. Walker accepted Christ as his savior at an early age. He spent his childhood years with his grandparents whom he adored. Rev. Collins graduated from Drew High School in Monticello, Arkansas. He relocated to Michigan in 1953 after serving in the Korean War and met the love of his life, Myrline.
Walker was a black business owner in the 1970s in which he ran Downriver Foods in Ecorse, Michigan. He attended the Detroit Bible College, and he was called into ministry in 1957. Rev. Collins was also instrumental in the development of the A.M.E. Ministers Protective League. His first assignment as a minister was at New St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Detroit, Michigan. He was a pastor at several churches until he retired in 2001 after serving as an associate minister at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in River Rouge, Michigan.
In addition to being a black business owner, real estate agent and pastor, Walker Leroy Collins, Sr. worked at Ford Motor Company as an electrician forty-three years. He retired in 2006 at the exceptional age of seventy-five. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time at Dunkin Donuts and discussing baseball and politics. He also enjoyed watching western movies and spending quality time with his family. He enjoyed over sixty years of marriage with his Queen, Myrline.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Myrline, two daughters: Cynthia and Annette (Lisa), two bonus sons; Martell and Jaray and a bonus daughter; Asia, one brothe- in-law; Alex (Helen), one sister-in-law; Quincey, six grandchildren; LaKeisha, LaKita (Devin, Sr.), Deangelo, Joshua, Makyla, and Nicole, five great-grandchildren; Devin, Jr., Aleah, Amaya, Bryson, and Dylan, and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Walker, Jr., and six siblings; Bernard, Emma Jean, Curtistine, Lloyd, Cornelius, and Ridgell.
What’s your fondest memory of Walker?
What’s a lesson you learned from Walker?
Share a story where Walker's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Walker you’ll never forget.
How did Walker make you smile?