Harry James "Boy" Collins, 76, passed away at his home on Wednesday, November 14, 2018. Boy was born and raised in Appalachia, VA, the son of the late Homer Collins Jr., and Dorothy June "Tootie" Collins. He graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1961, and soon began working at Watson's Lithographing Company in Kingsport where he met his loving bride-to-be, Iva.
He served his country in the United States Army as a Military Policeman in Vietnam from 1964 to 1966, where he wrote letters to Iva nearly every single day. Upon his return home in March, he was reunited with her, whereupon they began a beautiful life together as husband and wife on July 22, 1966.
Boy began a career at Eastman Chemical Company in the stockroom that same year, and retired as a Research Department Supervisor after 31 years of service in 1997. He was a life-long Tennessee Volunteers fan and especially loved following Vols football and Lady Vols basketball. Motorcycling was a cherished hobby for many years, and he loved sharing pictures of his cross-country road trip. Boy cherished his family most of all and was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. His family was truly his world, as he was theirs.
Boy was an active member of Emory United Methodist Church in Kingsport where he worshiped with Iva for many years.
He was predeceased by his parents, as well as his sister, Jean Collins Gibson, and brother, Richard Collins.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 52 years, Iva Mae Collins; his two daughters, Jamie Alicia Crawford (boyfriend Tim Shanks), Rhonda Leah Collins (fiancé Robert Aiken); granddaughter, Tori Leigh Sanders (husband Tyler); sisters, Judy Armitage (husband Jim), Janie Wolfe (husband Dale); several cousins, nieces, & nephews.
Boy will be laid to rest with military honors beside his mother with graveside services commencing at 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 24, at East Lawn Memorial Park in Christus Garden in Kingsport. The American Legion Post 3/265 will conduct military honors. Among the pallbearers will be Robert Aiken and Tyler Sanders. Reverend Randall Wright will be officiating.
Online condolences may be made to the Collins family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Collins family.
