Michael L. Rollins

Michael L. “Mike” Rollins, age 64, passed away suddenly Thursday morning, February 17th, at East Georgia Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family.He was born and raised in Dalton, Georgia.  Mike was the son of Leonard and Madgeline Rollins.  He was a graduate of Georgia Southern University with a BS in Recreation Management and Master’s in Public Administration.  While at Georgia Southern, he was an active member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.  Mike served as the Director of Statesboro-Bulloch County Parks & Recreation for 33 Years.

His life passion was his family and serving the Statesboro-Bulloch County Community as Director of the Statesboro Bulloch County Parks and Recreation Department.  He was instrumental in the development of Mill Creek Regional Park, Splash in the Boro, The S&S Railroad Bed Greenway, Agriculture Arena, and many other community projects throughout the years.  Providing families and kids with opportunities to enjoy sports and the outdoors was something he took great pride in.  He served as a past president of the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association.  Mike was also a Dean Day Smith Award recipient recognizing his commitment to community service.

He was a faithful member of Statesboro First United Methodist Church, and a member of the Truth Diggers Sunday School Class.

Mike served as past president of the Statesboro Sigma Chi Alumni Chapter and was an avid supporter or the Statesboro High School Baseball Boosters and Quarterback Club.

He loved spending time with his family, coaching his kids, fishing, his dogs, and working outside.  Some of his favorite pastimes were following the Georgia Southern Eagles, Georgia Bulldogs, and Atlanta Braves.

Mike was married to his college sweetheart, Cathy Rollins, for 39 years and had three sons.  Michael (Erin) Rollins of Bluffton; Colton Rollins of Statesboro; and Haydon (Kaylie) Rollins also of Statesboro.  He was known as Papa and his heart overflowed with love for all his grandchildren; McKendree Rollins, Gabriel Rollins, Lydia Rollins, Adaline Rollins, and Gracie Rollins.

He was also survived by a large family including his Father-in-law Cliff (Shirley) McKendree Sr.; Sisters – Karen (Randy) Patton, Lisa (James Green) Cowan; Brothers-in-law – Cliff (Lisa) McKendree Jr., Clayton (Stacey) McKendree; Aunt Evelyn Lowery: Uncle TW (Margie) Sosebee; Uncle Virgil Sosebee; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins on both sides of the family.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Rollins; mother, Madgeline Rollins; brother, Randall Rollins; Uncle, Albert (Rose) Rollins; Uncle, Andrew Lowery; and Mother-in-law Gladys McKendree.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 19th, at Deal Funeral Directions from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Brandon Williams and Steve Pennington officiating. Interment will follow at Bulloch Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be: Steve Pennington, Chad Avret, Kenny Tucker, Lee Eckles, Emory Smith, Anthony Waters, Bryan Burke, Randy Patton, Ed Nelson, Danny Jones, Cliff McKendree, Clayton McKendree and Freddy Blitch.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Current and Former Statesboro Bulloch County Parks and Recreation Staff, Sigma Chi Fraternity, Truth Diggers Sunday School Class, his Tuesday Morning Men’s Prayer Group and the Supper Club Friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Recreation Department for the Harrison Deal Memorial Fund, P O Box 408, Statesboro, Georgia 30459.