Harvey Ernest Collins was born on April 10, 1935, on Mon Lois Island, Alabama. His parents were Perry and Genevieve Collins. Mr. Collins departed into eternal rest in Huntsville, Alabama on Tuesday, February 27, 2007. He was preceded in death by his loving parents.
Mr. Collins joined the U.S. Army in July 1953, and was honorably discharged in June 1961. He also proudly served for 17 years with the New York Police Department. He retired from NYPD in 1986 as a detective. Following his retirement from NYPD, Mr. Collins owned and operated a private detective service in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Harvey had many hobbies and he led a full life. He enjoyed fishing, camping, photography and fast cars. He was an avid ham radio operator and loved to cook. Harvey was very proud of his family heritage and loved talking about the “good old days.” One of his greatest forms of enjoyment, were gatherings with family and friends so he could show off his cooking skills. Harvey never met a stranger. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
Mr. Collins leaves to cherish his loving memories his son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Faye Goode; granddaughter, Daphne Goode; grandsons: Kenan Goode and Starksky Barnes, all of Huntsville, Alabama; three brothers: Harold Winston Collins of Rock Port, Texas, Ed (Connie) Collins of Spring Valley, New York, and Donald Collins of Magnolia Springs, Alabama; one sister, Jo Ann Bolton of San Antonio, Texas; Godchildren: Warren Collins, Geraldine Davis and Michele Carder; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
May our beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend rest in peace.
Visitation for Mr. Collins will be held Sunday, March 4, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Nelms Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside Service will be held Monday, March 5, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. at Valley View Memorial Gardens with Father Glenn Sayers, Officiating.