Alvis Wayne Collins, Sr.

Born on June 23, 1944, in Maysville, North Carolina, Alvis was the son of George and Ethel Collins. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Harriett Jarvis Collins; his brothers, George “Duck”Collins, Lionel Collins, Elwood “Skeet” Collins, Sr., and Bobby Collins.

Alvis was a proud Vietnam veteran and dedicated much of his life to serving both his country and his community. He retired from FRC East July 7, 2007, as a machinist after fulfilling a career of faithful service.

A long time Mason, Alvis was a member of Doric Lodge No. 568 and was raised to the degree of Master Mason on July 20, 1979. He was also a devoted member of the Sudan Shrine for 43 years. He belonged to both the New Bern and Pamlico County Shrine Clubs. Throughout the years, he participated in numerous Shrine organizations, including the Sudan Pedal Pushers, Sudan Truckers, and the Sudan Roadrunners.

One of Alvis’s greatest passions was serving as a Roadrunner, transporting children and their families to Shriners Hospitals for treatment in Greenville, South Carolina. He completed more than 112 trips and cherished the opportunity to meet the remarkable children, their families, and the medical professionals who cared for them.

Alvis is survived by his sons, Alvis Wayne Collins, Jr. and wife Pam, and Gregory Dwayne Collins and wife Sandra. He also leaves behind his grandsons, Shawn Alfred-Urban (Matt), Kenneth Collins (Samantha), Dylan Collins (Jules), and Cody Meadows (Harley); his granddaughter, Carolyn Myree Collins (Jesse), affectionately known as his “Miss Universe,” and six treasured great-grandchildren, Grayson, Beckett, Sadie, Henry, Tucker, and Dallas.

He is also survived by his special nieces, whom he considered sisters, Karen Hill and Sharon Shipley; sisters-in-law, Alyce Collins and Margaret Collins; brother-in-law, James Jarvis and wife Linda; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Alvis will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, and unwavering love for those around him. Whether he was known as Papa, Dad, the Candy Man, or a loyal friend, he had a remarkable way of making people feel loved. His favorite saying, shared with everyone he met, was: “I love you, and you can’t do a thing about it”.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2026, between 5 - 7 p.m. at Cotten Funeral Home in New Bern, North Carolina.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 23rd at 11 am in the chapel of Cotten Funeral Home. Interment will be at the Greenleaf Cemetery Lakeside Chapel following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Alvis’s honor to Shriners Children’s Hospitals at donate.shrinerschildrens.org

Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family and friends of Alvis Wayne Collins, Sr.