Obituaries
Ronald Barret Collins born January 13, 1933 in Oklahoma. When he was a teen, he moved to Memphis where he excelled in sports at East High School. He received a scholarship to play football at Southwestern (now Rhodes College). Before he could complete college, he was drafted into the Korean War, where he rose to the rank of Chief in the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS Midway and USS Intrepid. After retiring from the Navy, he became Area Coordinator for West Tennessee Emergency Management (now Homeland Security). Ronald was responsible for writing manuals and teaching Hazardous Materials containment for many years to fire departments all over the state. Mr. Collins has been earned numerous awards for his development of emergency preparedness plans that have been adopted by the National Weather Service and Homeland Security.
You could always count on Ronald for a good joke and a helping hand. Ronald loved woodworking, fishing, gardening and fostering and rescuing dogs from shelters, his favorite where Border Collies. He and his wife were active members of West Tennessee Border Collie Rescue. But more than anything Ronald loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and treasured the time spent with them.
Although Greenleaf Farms had been their home for many years before his passing, both Ronald and Gail have resided at Ave Maria nursing home in Bartlett for the past few years.
Ronald is preceded in death by his son Ronald Mark Collins.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Gail Boyd Collins, his daughter Cindy Collins Cromwell (John) of Arlington, TN, his daughter-in law, Deana Brunjes, 3 grandchildren, Leigh Allison Coons (Matt) of Atoka TN, David Forsythe of Bartlett, TN and Emily McClain (Bill) and five great-children, Parker, Lila, Charlie and Ruthie McClain of Germantown, and Lana Gardner of Atoka TN. Ronald is also survived by brother and sister-in law Irby and Sue Boyd of Atoka, TN.
There will be a celebration of Ronald’s life at Ellendale United Methodist Church 7217 Centralia Road Bartlett TN 38135, where he has been a member for over 50 years on Saturday October 22, 2022. Visitation is from 10-11 with services at 11 and a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to Ellendale United Methodist Church or to West Tennessee Border Collie Rescue or a charity of your choice.
Serenity Funeral Home, Tel. (901)379-0861.
Previous Events
Visitation
22
Oct
7217 Centralia Rd
Memphis, TN 38135
Service
22
Oct
7217 Centralia Rd
Memphis, TN 38135
