Wallace Gilbert Collins, 85, of Birchwood, TN, passed away Monday November 17, 2014 at home surrounded by his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralliegh and Nellie Ruth Collins; his infant daughter, Deborah Collins; a son, Wally Collins; his sister, Barbara Pendergrass; and his brothers, Clinton, Wayne and Glenn Collins.
Mr. Collins retired from V.P. Serodino after 40 years of service. He was a licensed tug-boat pilot and mechanic. He attended Birchwood Church of God. He loved his family, wood working and sitting on his front porch. The light in his eyes was always brightened with live spent with his special great grandson Matthew.
Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Anna Mae; his daughter, Cathy Cartwright and her husband Jerry; grandson, Nathan Cartwright; great-grandson, Matthew Cartwright all of Birchwood; step-grandson, Lee Cartwright and his wife Tiffany of Rossville; his brothers, Sam Collins of Cleveland, John Paul Collins of Ooltewah and Phillip Collins and his wife Joyce of East Ridge; his sister, Martha Branham; and several nieces, nephews and close family friends.
A Remembrance of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday. November 20 at the North Ocoee St. Chapel of the Jim Rush Funeral Homes with Pastor Steve Miller officiating. The interment will follow in the McInturf cemetery with Perry Collins, Dickie Collins, Gary Collins, Eddie Parker, Michael Smith and Chris Beavers serving as casket bearers.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, November 19 from 5-8 p.m. at the Jim Rush Funeral Home, who has charge of the arrangements.