Alvin Howard Collins

March 28, 1942 - October 9, 2024

Alvin H. Collins, age 82 of Bean Station, peacefully walked into Heaven on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at his home with loved ones gathered near. He was a Navy Veteran and a founding member of Victory Baptist Church of Mooresburg, where he faithfully served as Deacon.

Alvin is preceded in death by his parents, Tennie Bell and Elbert Collins, his beloved son, Chris Collins, and several brothers and sisters.

He is survived by wife of 62 years, Wilma (Phillips) Collins. Daughters: Robin Poteete (Joe) of Bean Station and Carmen Gibson (Wayne) of Russellville. His grandchildren: Robbie Poteete-Jeffcoat (Tim), Bobby Poteete (Kim), Kerrie Diamond Hardwick (Jamie), Ambria Lane (James) and Emily Collins. Great-Grandchildren: Emmanuel, Kaelin and Bradyn. Sister, Evelyn Green and Brother, Paul Collins. Sister-in-law, Patty Campbell. There is also a host of nieces, nephews, friends and his Victory Baptist Church family to carry on his memory.

At the young age of 16, Alvin left East Tennessee to join the United States Navy and travel the world. He enjoyed his naval years and never forgot the people and cultures he experienced during his service. He was grateful of the opportunity to serve his country and always wore his uniform proudly.

After leaving the Navy, Alvin returned to Bean Station and became the beloved husband of Wilma, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage, building a home and family. During those years, he continued his service to his community by being a volunteer with local Rescue Squads and Police Departments. To his children and grand-children, he was the pillar of the family and his quiet strength and sound advice will be greatly missed.

Alvin worked in road construction and water line installation throughout his life. While he was often the supervisor on job sites, his true love and talent was being able to climb into a Caterpillar and carve a road out of land. He was an expert bulldozer and back hoe operator and could operate any type of heavy equipment with ease and precision. Numerous highways and interstates in our area are the result of his years of work. He never forgot a job and if anyone ever needed directions, he had such a familiarity with the road that he could tell you 5 different ways to get there.

Throughout his life, Alvin enjoyed playing softball, hunting, fishing, and golf. In his later years, he enjoyed daily outings for breakfast or lunch and loved to sit in his recliner, warm in his heated blanket, while watching the old westerns and sports in the company of his wife, Wilma.

Visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm at Stubblefield Funeral Home with Funeral Services to follow at 7:00 pm with Rev. Gary Lawson and Rev. Truman Coffey officiating. Burial will follow on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 11:00 am at Dalton Graveyard in Bean Station.

Pallbearers: Bobby Poteete, Keith Mulneix, Steve Smith, Jamie Hardwick, Emmanuel Hardwick, Bradyn Turner and Michael Bailey.

Honorary Pallbearers: Wendell (Wayne) Gibson, Joe Poteete, Robbie Poteete-Jeffcoat, Tim Jeffcoat and Greg Phillips.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to all the love, prayers and support from family, friends and church family. Special thanks to Linda, Karen, Greg, Pat, Marvin, Junior, Bennie and Lavonne, and others, who gave their time and were faithful with their help and prayers.