Cecil Raymond Collins

COLLINS Cecil Raymond “Ray” Collins, 79, passed away unexpectedly at home on June 4, 2007. He was born in Sweatman, Mississippi in 1927 to Robert and Hannah Collins. His proudest moments were the birth of his five children, Jim R. Collins, Jacksonville, Jan Collins Sexton (Carl), Jacksonville, Ann Collins (John), Hoffman Estates, IL, Kim Collins Alexander, Jacksonville, and Jil Collins Gartner (Rick), Plano, Texas. Other survivors include his wife of 56 years, Shirley, five grandchildren ; Kyle and Kailyn Sexton, Jacksonville, and Christopher, Joshua and Jil Collins of Hoffman Estates, IL, one brother, Leigh Collins (Ruth) Laguna Niguel, Ca., his mother-in-law, Agnes Patterson, Jacksonville, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was proud to serve his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was active in community affairs having served as President of Frayser Lions Club, Board Member for the School of the Blind in Memphis, President of the Frayser Booster Club and Deacon in Frayser Presbyterian Church among others. He was employed by Transamerica Financial for 44 years. His career was spent in three cities, Memphis, TN, Dallas, TX, and Jacksonville, FL. During his career as Executive Branch Manager and District Manager he was rewarded with numerous trips abroad throughout Europe and Asia. He always looked forward to these trips and spending time with close friends in the company. Even throughout his world travels he remained a true southern gentleman and a country boy at heart, as reflected in his gentle manner and love of gardening. Visitation will be Friday, June 8 from 6-8 pm and the service will be Saturday, June 9 at 11 am, both at TOWN AND COUNTRY FUNERAL HOME, 7242 Normandy Blvd. Burial in Riverside Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.