Donnie Collins, 68, of Pickens, SC, went home to his Savior, Jesus Christ on May 23, 2025. He was an active member of Eastatoee Baptist Church and made many friends while living in the valley. He came to love Eastatoee Valley as “home”. The peace and quietness he found there brought him great joy.
Donnie is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Reda Riggins Collins, their only child and adoring daughter, Jessica Gilstrap (Jeremy), two grandsons which were the joy of his life, James and Jonston Gilstrap, two cousins Ricky Wood (Julia), and Roger Wood (Donya). Donnie loved to hunt and fish, spending time with family, friends, and being outdoors.He especially enjoyed eating at Bay Breeze in Hendersonville, North Carolina. He had three dogs that were his constant companions, Joey, Brutus, and Bo.
Donnie is also survived by his mother-in-law, Sylvia Riggins, brother-in-law David Holcombe, sister-in-law Jan Kueber (Travis Hayes), nephew Russ Kueber (Sarah Catherine), nieces Abbie and Shelby Kueber, bonus nephew, Conner Hayes, and two grandnephews Baylor and Bennett Kueber.
Donnie is predeceased by his loving parents, Donald A. Collins, and Betty H. Collins, his father-in-law Russell Riggins, and sister-in-law, Barbara Holcombe.
Donnie was a loving son, husband, Daddy, and Papa. We will miss your loving presence with us but cannot imagine the splendor you are enjoying in Heaven.
Donnie told his daughter to make sure that everyone knew he loved the Lord, his family, church family, and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:45 in the Garden Room.
Burial will take place following the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.
Reverend Wilburn Snyder will officiate the service. The family is at 347 Adams Rd, Pickens, SC. Flowers will be accepted or donations made to Eastatoee Baptist Church, 207 Eastatoee Community Road, Sunset, SC 29685.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
