William "Gary" Collins

William Gary Collins, 68 years young went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ this past Thursday, June 17, 2021. He was the oldest son of William “Bill” Croon Collins and Margaret Corinth Richardson.

A “Georgia boy” through and through, he was born in Atlanta and grew up in Decatur, GA. As a young boy he enjoyed playing football with the Mighty Mights of DeKalb County. As a teenager, he spent most of his free time riding the horses he and his father had at a local farm. Gary graduated from Towers High School in 1970. After working a few odd jobs here and there, he eventually became a linesman for the Georgia Power Company. After 40+ years working up power poles in all kinds of weather, he retired as a Line Supervisor.

In his mid-20’s, he married his soul-mate, Jacqueline “Dee Dee” Lawson. They were married for 44 wonderful years. A lifelong Methodist, he loved his Lord Jesus. Dee Dee credits her accomplishment of becoming a United Methodist Elder to Gary's support of her. Gary enjoyed spending his free time driving the family in their old boat at Lake Hartwell and teaching each of his children to water ski. He was also a big NASCAR racing fan.

Beloved son, husband, father, grandfather and friend, he was preceded in death by his father and brother, Jeffrey Scott Collins. Gary is survived by his wife and (4) children, Jennifer Leigh (Chad) Damico of Jefferson, GA, Adrian Bo (Jenny) Collins of Fayetteville, Chancey Keegan (Kim) Collins of Duluth, Tanner Quinn Collins of Atlanta; (8) grandchildren, Kennedy, Madeline, Brayden, Elana, Aurora, Xavier, Sophia, Isabel; (1) great-grandchild, Charleigh June.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at 2:30 PM in the sanctuary at Jodeco Road United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the Kuglar Fellowship Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made to Jodeco Road United Methodist Church, Stockbridge, GA (https://www.jodeco.org/giving/) or Mosaic Church, Augusta, GA (https://www.mosaicchurchevans.org/give/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.mosaicchurchevans.org/give/). Those who wish may sign the online registry at https://www.mosaicchurchevans.org/give/, Haisten Funerals and Cremation, McDonough, GA.