Ashe County, NC

Douglas Allen Collins, age 82, formerly of Saltville, VA passed peacefully at his daughter's home in Ashe County, NC on Saturday, December 28th, 2024.

Doug was born July 19, 1942, in Smyth County, VA to Bessie Elizabeth and Willie Collins.

He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years, Audie "Cootie" Collins, parents Willie and Bessie Collins, brothers and sisters Bobby Lee Collins, Ossie Henderson, Rebecca Jean Collins and Lawrence Collins.

Doug graduated from R.B. Worthy High School in 1962 where he lettered in track, football and baseball. He moved to Prince George, VA where he continued to play recreational softball and later took up bass fishing, winning many trophies and tournaments through the years. Doug retired from Honeywell in 2001 after 33 years of service and enjoyed fishing, going back home to visit and spending time with his wife and family.

Doug is survived by two daughters: Beulah Jean Gibbs and husband Chris of Ashe County, NC, and Bessie Jane Cook and husband Scott of Chesterfield County, VA; four grandchildren: Jennifer Metz (Hunter), Erin Truland, Tiffany Cook, and Melanie Horne (Jared); three great-grandchildren: Christian Metz, Aiden Metz, and Clara Metz; three brothers and three sisters: James Edward "Jimmy" Collins (Saltville), Virginia Dare (Salem), Ruby Davidson (Marion), Gilda Eastridge (Clyde) (Saltville), Clarence Collins (Sherry) (Saltville), Willard Collins (Glade Spring); and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service is to be held at a later date.

Thomas Family Funeral Service is honored to be serving the Collins family. If you wish, online tributes may be extended to the family at www.thomasfamilyfs.com.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com.