Mr. Collins was retired President/owner of Greeneville Iron and Metals, a family business established in 1946 as the Greeneville Foundry.
He was a son of the late Ross E. Collins and Agnes Lunnell Johnson Collins and was preceded in death by a sister, Fayetta Lee, and daughter-in-law, Patricia Collins.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and working in the family business. He always had a positive outlook and great attitude even through challenges.
He fought a courageous battle and ran a good race.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years: Nancy Caraway Collins; a son:Jeffery Collins and Kimberly of Greeneville; two grandchildren: Matthew Collins and Katie and Beth Anne Collins; sister and brother-in-law: Kathy and Charlie Caraway; brother-in-law: Bobby Lee; long-time friend: Wade Harrison; and numerous special nieces and nephews, other brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and cousins.
The family expressed a special thank you to Kathy Duncan, Amedisys Hospice staff and Sue Jones.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday and 2-4 p.m. Wednesday at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home.
The funeral service will follow visitation at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Rev. Sam Smith and The Rev. Jim Fields officiating.
Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers will be the employees of Greeneville Iron and Metal and Transport Technologies.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethesda Community Church, 302 Park Street, Greeneville, TN 37743.