Andrew Lee Collins

Andrew Lee Collins was born in Way, Mississippi to John Adams and Adeline Ford Collins from Aberdeen, Mississippi. He was the fifth child out of seven, in the middle of his older sister Babe Sis (Mary Hall,85) who lives in Florida and his baby sister Nancy (Annie Phillips) who lives in Los Angeles, California. In his growing up years as teen, he spent his summers working hard and serving in the cotton fields and became known as the “waterboy.”

He graduated from Rosa A. Temple High School. Then in 1966, he went on to serve in the Air Force as an Air Policeman, during the Vietnam War. During his time, he received a National Defense Service Medal. After serving in the Air Force, he returned home to Vicksburg and began his career in the automotive industry with the General Motors- Parts department. During this time, he met his love, his wife Helen Williams and they married in 1971. They united their families and headed West to California, settling in Bakersfield.

He began working in the oil fields of Bakersfield, earnings were great yet preferred spending time with family and serving. So, he returned to working in the Parts Department, automotive dealership Three Way Chevrolet. This change afforded him more time with family. Andrew loved his wife Helen and her daughter Brenda. Every summer, he would make the two-day journey back home to Vicksburg, MS to reunite with family and friends.

Several summers went by and Andrew and Helen welcome their baby boy Andrew Jr in 1978, he was so excited as he was a family man. Andrew enjoyed many holidays with family. He enjoyed life, often hearing a laughter or a smile on his face. He was encouraging and supportive of his children. He attended and supported community events with his wife, Helen. He loved his family and was a supportive husband and dad.

As Andrew’s family grew his joy grew as seen in many photos with his grandchildren: Edric, Berika, Malik. A supportive grandpa until the end.

At Retirement, Andrew’s health started to decline yet remember he was hard worker, supporter, server. He continued until his 81.4 years had passed, as well as his 53rd Father’s Day came and went.

Surely goodness has followed him all the way, he leaves behind his wife Helen of 53 years, his daughter Brenda, his son Drew (Andrew Jr), Grandchildren: Edric, Berika, Malik, his sisters Mary and Annie as well as his younger brother Larry Collins of Vicksburg, MS (veteran and family historian), and many nephews and nieces in California, Florida, Mississippi, Texas, Virginia.

Psalms 23: 6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

A funeral service for Andrew will be held Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM at am Compassion Christian Center, 1030 4th St Bakersfield, CA 93304, followed by a graveside at Bakersfield National Cemetery, Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E. Bear Mountain BLVD Arvin, CA 93203

from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM. Repast at Compassion Christian Center.