Johnny E. Collins Sr., 93, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away on October 4, 2026. Born May 16, 1933, Johnny lived a long life marked by steady faith, openhanded kindness, and a warmth that made people feel like they’d known him forever—even if they’d only just met him.
Johnny served in the Marines and served during the the Korean war, carrying that sense of devotion and duty with him throughout his life. He later retired after 35 years at Vinylex, a testament to the kind of reliability you could set your watch by—though anyone who knew him might say he didn’t need a watch anyway; he had a way of showing up exactly when he meant to, with a grin and a ready word for whoever was nearby.
A beloved husband and father, Johnny loved his family and was a loving father. His care showed up in everyday ways—through patience, through presence, and through the simple habit of making room for others. He was a friend to everyone, and he always tried to see the best in everyone, offering the sort of gentle grace that made life feel a little lighter.
Johnny’s faith was a steady companion, and he loved reading the Bible. He also found joy in working with his hands and tending to what was right in front of him—loved woodworking, loved yard work especially push mowing the lawn. If there was a task to do, Johnny had a way of making it feel less like work and more like a small, honest pleasure—especially if it ended with a yard that looked just right and a moment to sit back and admire it.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Collins; his son, Johnny Collins, Jr.; and his grandsons, Isaac Wilson, Lucas Wilson, and Abram Wilson.
He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Segars; his son, Rickie & Jacque Collins; his grandsons, Sean & Jordan Collins and Sam & Anna Collins ; his granddaughters, Felisha, Lakisha, and Ashley Collins & Scott Hensley; his great granddaughters, Michaela Wilson and Audrey Wilson, and his great grandsons, Gunner Collins, Dawson Collins, Ian Tucker Wilson, Killian Wilson, Knox Wilson, Hayden Sherwood and Harlan Sherwood.
Visitation will be held at Emory Valley Missionary Baptist Church, 6124 E Emory Rd, Knoxville, TN 37918, on October 8, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm with the Funeral Service immediately following at 8:00 pm. A Committal Service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, 3500 Tazewell Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918, on October 9, 2026, at 11:00 am.
The family wants to thank staff Beverly Park Place, especially Tabitha, for the care and kindness shown to Johnny and to those who loved him.
Please visit Lynnhurstfuneralhome.com to share your heartfelt condolences.
