Paul Akers Collins, 99, formerly of High Point, passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at High Point Regional Hospital. He is preceded in death by his parents William Blaine Collins and Lillie Smith Collins, his wife Ruby Wyrick Collins, and his two sisters Dorothy Warren and Thelma Byers. He was born on December 27, 1921 in Patrick County, Virginia, but he resided in High Point for 88 Years of his life. For the past five years, he has resided at River Landing in Colfax.
Paul was a World War II veteran, a member of Christ United Methodist Church and the Friendly Bible Sunday School Class, while being devoted to his family and his businesses. After moving to High Point in 1927, he became a life long resident there. He graduated from High Point Central High School in 1939 and attended Jones Business College. He then worked for Lee Carpet Company before joining the WW II effort by enlisting in the Army Air Force in 1942. He served for 3 1/2 years, during which time he was stationed in North Africa, China, and Burma. He was awarded 4 Bronze Service Stars, a Good Conduct Medal, and a Bronze Star Medal among others. After the war, he came home to High Point where he was a member of the Jaycees for over 8 years, the general manager at AMSCO Fabrics for 24 years until he founded his own company, P. Collins Ltd. Fabrics in 1970, where he worked as President until his retirement in 1992. He met his wife Ruby on a blind date in Raleigh and they were married on August 21, 1948. They had a long happy marriage of 62 years together before her death in 2011.
Paul dearly loved his wife, family, friends, church family, employees, and Army buddies. He was a wonderful provider and caretaker for his family, and a good friend to all. He dedicated many years of his life to the hard work of building two fabric businesses, raising a family, helping others, and in service to his church and community.
Paul is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Delk of Wilmington, N.C.; son, Craig Collins of Winston Salem; granddaughter Kimberly Delk Davis and Dustin Davis of New Orleans, Louisiana and granddaughter Laurie Delk of Cary, N.C., great-grandsons Dylan and Elijah, and great-granddaughter Coco, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins around North Carolina and Virginia.
Paul was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather, who was so proud of each member of his family and always cherished his happy times spent with them. He leaves behind a legacy of a life well-lived and well-loved, an example for us all. He will be missed by many.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Paul’s name to Christ United Methodist Church building fund P.O Box 6575, H.P. or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
A lie in state for Paul will take place on Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 11:00pm to 2:30pm at Sechrest Funeral Service of High Point. A family graveside service will take place in the mausoleum chapel of Floral Garden Memorial Park Cemetery on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 3:00pm; Pastor Jeff Martin, of Franklinville and Rehobeth Methodist churches, is officiating.
Online condolences for the Collins family may be made at www.sechrestfunerals.com.
