Harrell Collins

HARRELL COLLINS was born April 1, 1942 to the union of the late Bullie Collins Sr. and Elnora Collins of Crystal Springs, Copiah County, Mississippi. As a child, he was raised in the church. He recommitted to Christ as an adult, and was baptized at Southern Baptist Church where he was a faithful and devoted member; serving as Videographer, and member of the Southern Baptist Male Chorus under the leadership of Rev. James Milton and Rev. Dennis Edwards. Harrell was employed by Hostess Bakery, where he worked for many years as a Baker/Machinist until his retirement. He belonged to the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers’ International Union Local 243. He was an excellent cook, avid gardener, and always enjoyed reading the Bible, and playing dominoes, and card games, especially Gin Rummy and Bid Whist. Harrell was a good friend to many because he “never met a stranger”. and often visited sick and shut-in members of the church. HE LOVED TO TALK ABOUT AND PRAISED THE LORD!
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 40 years, Frances Collins (nee Wright); 8 siblings: Rochelle Holiday, Bullie Collins Jr, Ed Collins, Willie Collins, Earnestine Weber- Harris, Murlee Hughes, Lenell Collins, and Joe Louis Collins; 7 brothers-in-law; and 5 sisters-in-law.
He was a generous, fun-loving and ever present father to his surviving children: his sons, Harrell Collins, Jr. of New York, DeMarcus Collins (Pamela), and his daughters; Regina Collins, Linda Collins, and Sharon Collins-Gibson (Norman). Harrell was a devoted grandfather to his grandsons: Raphael Bolling (Danyelle), Philip “PJ” Bolling, Dareem Collins, and Norman Gibson Jr. , and always looked forward to attending many of their sporting events and afterschool activities. He was “best friend” and doting grandfather to his only granddaughter, Nia Gibson, and had a standing date with her for breakfast every Saturday morning throughout her childhood.
He enjoyed many hours watching his favorite television shows which were “Price is Right”, “Let’s Make a Deal”, “Family Feud”, and the “Steve Harvey Show”. His favorite classic western movie was “The Good the Bad and the Ugly”, and modern western movie, “Django”.
He is also survived by his two loving sisters; Thelma Winston and Lucille Easterling, who spent many hours visiting with Harrell, going to lunch and dinner, and laughing on the telephone with him; five sisters-in-law, whom he loved and adored: Lillian Watson, Willa Mae Green-Dieme, Barbara Wright-Ide, Lerlene Collins, and Emma Collins all of Cincinnati, Ohio.
His memory will live on and be cherished by a host of “FAVORITE NIECES, NEPHEWS”, in-laws, and other close family members and friends, whereas he was like a father to many of his children’s friends.