Melvin had a shadow. Wherever Melvin was, you were behind him. At family get togethers you would always drive, help Melvin out and push his wheelchair. You would make sure Melvin was served dinner before he would. I don't remember your being selfish that often. When we would visit, you would offer something to drink. When I was a kid, you would play games with me, playing cards and playing pranks, just like grandma would do. You warned me to not swallow watermelon seeds or I would grow a melon in my tummy. You had riverside property in the mountains, and would share it with the family. Lazy days were spent fishing at the water's edge, waiting for the fish to bite. Evenings we fell asleep listening to the rushing waters of the river. At Grandpa and Grandma's house there was a garden that you would tend to, accessorized with your homemade weather vanes and windchimes. In the summer, we would enjoy your cookouts with burgers and hot dogs on the grill, and watermelon! I will never forget your infectious smiles with a twinkle in your eyes, and super bear hugs. May you rest in peace.

Melvin had a shadow. Wherever Melvin was, you were behind him. At family get togethers you would always drive, help Melvin out and push his wheelchair. You would make sure Melvin was served dinner before you. I don't remember your ever being selfish. When we would visit you would offer something to drink. When I was a kid, you would play games with me. Playing cards and playing pranks, just like grandma would do. You warned me to not swallow watermelon seeds or I would grow a melon in my tummy. You had riverside property in the mountains, and would share it with the family. Lots of lazy days spent fishing at the water's edge, waiting for the fish to bite, evenings listening to the rushing waters of the river. At grandpa and grandma's house there was a garden that you would tend to, with your homemade weather vanes and windchimes. In the summer we would enjoy cookouts with burgers and hot dogs on the grill. I will never forget your infectious smiles with a twinkle in your eyes, and super bear hugs. May you rest in peace, my uncle.

thank you for black coffee at 4am at the age of 4. and for tips on fishing, bbqing, and gardening,wrapping gifts at christmas, turkey's breast down, hank williams sr. long bike rides, camping, and your sense of humor! i love you very much! say hello to everyone up there. and give em a hard time!

Uncle Ralph, you sparked a lifetime love for fishing and history. Thank you for teaching me to crawl before I walked so my growth development wouldn't be messed up.

Uncle Ralph, you sparked a lifetime love of fishing and history. Thank you for teaching me to crawl so my growth development wouldn't be messed up.

OBITUARY

Ralph Collins Jr.

14 September, 1938 – 10 March, 2015

Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery

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