Funeral services with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2021 in the Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA. Burial will follow in Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Mr. Collins was born in Columbus, GA on October 19, 1949 to the late Charles Lewis Collins and Nora Frances Henderson Collins. He was a lifelong area resident and was retired from the U.S. Army where he served in Vietnam and received numerous medals which include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (6th AWD) Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3D AWD) and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation. Mr. Collins served as the Sr. Instructor of the WVMC (Wheel Vehicle Mechanic Course) at Ft. Jackson, SC. He was a Master Mason and a member of the Masonic Lodge 144.
Survivors include his loving wife, Cynthia D. Collins of Box Springs, GA; children, Maria Allesch (Brian) of Fairbanks, AK, and Robert Collins (Teresa Sharpe) of Columbus, GA; grandchildren, Margaret Grace Collins, Macy Collins, Sarah Allesch, Colton Allesch and Molly Oliver (Ethan); siblings, Annette Blaszak of NC and Gregory Collins of Columbus, GA; brothers-in-law, Steve Preston of Lagrange, GA and Ted Preston of Box Springs, GA. Mr. Collins was preceded in death by a grandson, Brady Allesch, and two brothers, George Collins and Hobie Collins.
Fond memories and condolences for the Collins family may be left at www.shcolumbus.com
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America, vva.org/donate, or to the Masonic Children’s home in Macon, GA.
