Jimmy Ray Collins

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Esther Carol Collins; his daughter, Elizabeth Fortenberry (Robert); and grandchildren, Garrett Fortenberry and Sarah Fortenberry. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alpha Pearl Thomason Collins and Alonzo Zebedee Collins, and seven siblings.

Jimmy attended Thompson High School, where he was in the marching band and jazz band. He went on to attend the University of Montevallo for a year. Then he worked part-time and attended UAB. Carol knew she would marry him the first time she saw him in Nash’s Drug Store despite the fact he ignored her. Her thought was “God you have got to be kidding me.” When Carol was in her last semester of school doing her practice teaching, they were introduced to each other by a teacher. They were married on February 21, 1965.

Jimmy worked in sales all of his life. He worked in insurance, plaid stamps, Sears, Royal Oldsmobile, Leach Pontiac, Sweda Cash Registers, and even real estate, just to name a few.

Also, he was a husband, a dad, a grandfather, a brother, a Sunday School teacher, a neighbor, and a great friend. He loved his family, but most importantly he loved God. He carried a cross in his pocket for most of his life. It was a silent reminder of who he belonged to.

Jimmy's influence was felt by many, but it is most appreciated by his family. We will miss him but he has left a legacy that lives on.

Jimmy's family will greet friends at First Baptist Church of Alabaster on Saturday, November 26, 2022 from 10 a.m. until the Memorial Service at 11 a.m. at the church.

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