Frank Clay Collins

Frank Clay Collins, 79, passed away on January 25, 2017. He was a Greensboro native, son of Carl and Alma Lovey Phillips Collins. His family will celebrate his life at 2 PM on Sunday, January 29 at Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm Chapel. Prior to the service from 12:30 to 1:45 family and friends are invited to gather for a reception at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Park.

Frank attended Rankin High School where he excelled as a superb athlete. For a time he was employed by Carolina Steel but for more than 30 years he worked for Lorillard Tobacco and retired as a head adjuster. Willing to serve his country if called, Frank was a member of the Marine Corps Reserve for more than 20 years. His high school sweetheart, LaRue Strickland, was his side kick and soul mate from 1957 until her death in 1999. They loved to bowl together and she cheered from the sidelines while he coached recreational league baseball for many years. Known as the “Tomato Man” he planted over 1,000 plants every season, sold some from his front porch on Lee’s Chapel Road but certainly shared the bounty with everyone. He had a green thumb for everything, not just tomatoes. Frank loved being outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter.

Frank is survived by his sons and their spouses, Mark and Sheila Collins of Cerro Gordo, NC and William “Skeeter” and Sharon Collins of Greensboro; grandchildren, Shyra, Shadow (Tiffany) and Clay; great grandchildren, Gage, Jace and Vita; sisters, Agnes Beverly and Barbara Smith; brother, Archie Collins; and sister-in-law, Linda Lloyd. In addition to his parents and wife, Frank is preceded in death by his son, Danny, and six siblings.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to JDRF, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004 or online at www.JDRF.org. Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm chapel is assisting the Collins family. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.