Francis Donald Collins

Don was born on October 16, 1934 in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of Frank W and Helen Wolfe Collins. Don grew up in East Baltimore, playing sports, and living in a row house. Don graduated from Patterson Park High School in 1952. After graduating from the University of Maryland in 1958 while working at Montgomery Ward distribution center, he met the love of his life, his wife of 62 years, Betty Bowen. He and Betty married in Reisterstown, Maryland on September 17, 1960. After Don joined and moved up the ranks with the Campbell Soup Company, the young couple moved from Baltimore to Buffalo, NY, to New Orleans, LA, and finally settled and raised their family in Charlotte, NC.

Family always came first for Don. He is survived by his wife Betty, son Frank Collins and his wife Amy, son Rick Collins and his partner Penny Goldman, daughter Cathleen Christopher and her husband Mark; grandchildren Courtney Shanklin and her husband Connor Allgood, Amanda Collins, Ellie Collins, and Joe Christopher.

Don loved playing and following sports. As a teenager he played baseball in the competitive Baltimore City leagues. He also played basketball and softball. Don was a longtime fan of the Baltimore Orioles, Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, as well as other teams. He attended many games over the years including the Baltimore Bullets, Baltimore Colts, Carolina Cougars, Charlotte Knights, and Charlotte Orioles. Don was a season ticket holder with the Hornets and Panthers for many years. In 1971, Don co-founded the Olde Providence Recreation Association. This later became the South Charlotte Recreation Association. He was the association’s first baseball commissioner, a long-time baseball coach, basketball coach, and an umpire.

Always caring about his community, Don served on his neighborhood association boards, concluding a few years ago as the President of the Piper Glen Community Masters Association.

Don and Betty loved to travel. They enjoyed seeing many of our country’s sights as well as the Caribbean, Canada, and much of Europe.

Don retired from the Campbell Soup Company in 1995. He later served as the editor for the Campbell Retirees Club monthly newsletter for 22 years.

Don loved his pets. His dogs, Fritz, Fonz, Peanut, Suzie, and cat Squirt were very dear to him. His beloved beagle Suzie was his last.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Richardson Rescue at www.richardsonrescue.org or mail to 1968 State Rd S-46-168, York, SC 29745. You may find the link under the Donations tab below.

A private service for the family will be held at McEwen Funeral Home. In a few weeks, the family will host a celebration of Don’s life for friends, family, and neighbors.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Collins family.