Mr. Collins, son of the late Benjamin Collins and Texie Mae Youngblood Collins, was born March 7, 1919. After retirement as a machinist at Rockford Clutch in Rockford, Ill., he moved back to his native home of Cartersville. He proudly served his country as a Marine during World War II participating in the capture and defense at Guadalcanal, participating in action against the enemy at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, participating in the consolidation of Northern Solomon Islands, and also serving in the Cuba and Pacific areas. He was an active member of the Carl Boyd American Legion Post No. 42 and was a member of local bowling leagues. He loved to fish and hunt with his brothers, nephews, and friends and was an avid traveler often driving across the country to attend his Marine reunions each year and to visit with his daughter and granddaughters. He loved the Lord and was a member of the Adairsville Church of God. He advised his loved ones to "always walk in the Light of the Lord."
Mr. Collins was preceded by his parents; wives, Virginia Collins and Thelma Collins; brothers and sisters, Annie Mae Smith Cronin, Mary Ward, William (Blondie) Collins, Lawrence Collins, Florence Collins, Katie Williams, and Robert Collins.
He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Collins Burson of Blanchard, Okla.; granddaughters, Tracy Crisp of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Heather Queen of Washington, Okla.; great-granddaughters, Carolyn Queen and Megan Queen; and a great-grandson, Jack Crisp; a sister and brother-in-law, Sadie and Charles Darnell of Emerson; a brother, Ernest Collins of Cartersville; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Saturday, July 31, from 9:30 until 11 a.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, Cartersville. A memorial service will be held following visitation at 11 a.m. in the church sanctuary with Rev. Larry Russell officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery with full military rites.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made for disabled veterans to The American Legion Carl Boyd Post No. 42, P. O. Box 516, Cartersville, GA 30120.
Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, is in charge of the arrangements.