Jerome "Jerry" Collins

Norfolk- Jerome “Jerry” Collins, 68, of Norfolk, VA died at home with his loving wife and step-daughter Paula by his side. Jerry was born on 21 February 1944 in West Virginia. He was the son of the late Patrick Jerome Collins and the late Ellen Elizabeth Morgan Collins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Calvin and Carl Collins; sister, Evelyn Collins; nephew, Gene Grimmett and stepson Joseph “Joey” Quade Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory of Katherine Rose “Kitty” Collins who was his friend/lover/wife and caregiver of 30 years.

He is survived by his daughter Tammy Collins; 2 step-daughters, Paula Childress and Katy Dugger; 4 grandchildren; his two pride and joys Amanda Childress-Lee and Adam Childress, Beth Sharpe and Britney; 1 brother, Trueman “Tootie” Collins (Brenda and Chrissie); 2 sisters, Jeannette Collins and Genevieve Grimmett; nephews, Mickie, Timmy and Tony, nieces, and a niece-in-law Kay Grimmett and son Tyler, and a lot of friends

He enlisted 21 June 1965 in the United States Army as a Tank Tech for 14 ½ years. Then he enlisted in the Navy on 27 December 1977 as a Boiler Technician from which he retired as a Petty Officer First Class. He served during the Vietnam War and received numerous military awards: Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2 awards), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Cross of Gallantry Army Level, and Exert Rifleman Medal.

In between services he was an EMT for HUD Disaster in West Virginia. After his service he worked at Virginia Wesleyan College as a Ground Maintenance Tech for 10 years from which he retired. Jerry’s passions included playing pool, working outside, using his John Deere tractor, glass etching, playing harmonica and guitar, his animals, writing poems and spending time in MD with his son-in-law Charles Childress and family. One of his favorite songs was “Bad Bad Leroy Brown”. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 9, 2012 from 6-8 pm. Casual attire is welcome by family at Woodlawn Funeral Home located at 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 11:00 am in the Woodlawn Funeral Home Chapel to be followed by military honors at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Donations to King’s Daughters Hospital, St. Jude’s Hospital and SPCA Animals in Norfolk, VA will be gladly accepted instead of flowers of your choice. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.woodlawngroup.com.