John Carroll Collins, age 77, of 14961 Mount Cross Road, Dry Fork, died Thursday, June 9, 2011 in Danville Regional Medical Center. He had been in declining health for several months.
Born March 19, 1934 in Hinesville, Virginia, he was the son of the late Ryland Garnett Collins and Catherine Gatewood Collins. He lived his entire life in the Hinesville Community and was a graduate of Whitmell Farm Life High School. His loves included bluegrass music, spirited conversations about political and financial matters, his Trinity church family, and most especially his children and grandchildren. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees, Nominating Board, Finance Committee, and sang in the chancel choir. He was a volunteer for the Mental Health Association and Keep Virginia Beautiful. In addition, he served on the Averett University Advisory Board, was President of the Cascade Ruritan Club and Ruritan Zone Governor, and served on the Pittsylvania County Service Authority Board for 24 years. His wife, Lettie Jean Cassada Collins, predeceased him on March 4, 2005. For over 50 years, he operated Collins Insurance Agency.
Survivors include three daughters: Kathryn “Kathy” C. Dix and her husband Ricky of Danville, Jean Carol Johnston and her husband Brian of Dry Fork, Amy C. Licata and her husband Joseph of Cary, NC; one son: John P. Collins and his wife Sandra of Goldsboro, NC; five grandchildren: Jordan Paige Dix, Taylor Catherine Dix, Heather Noell Johnston, Adam Joseph Licata, and Ryan John Licata; two loving brothers: Calvin G. Collins and Douglas A. Collins, both of Danville.
Funeral services officiated by Rev. Charles Wickham will be held Sunday, June 12, 2011 at 3 p.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 409 Arnett Blvd., Danville, with interment following in Highland Burial Park. The family will receive friends at the church Saturday, June 11, 2011 from 7 until 9 p.m., and at other times, they will be at the residence, 14961 Mount Cross Road, Dry Fork.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 409 Arnett Blvd., Danville, VA 24540.
Swicegood Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Collins family. Please sign the guestbook at www.swicegoodbarker.com, www.facebook.com/swicegoodbarker, and www.godanriver.com.