Harold Johnny Collins
January 6, 1940 ~ September 5, 2017
Resided in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Harold Johnny Collins passed away peacefully on September 5, 2017 at the age of 77 surrounded by his family.
Harold is survived by his wife Gwen Collins of Asheville; sons, Jeff Collins of Los Angeles and Tim Collins of Charlotte; daughter, Robin Collins Gunter and her husband Brian of Asheville; sister Betty Collins Goldsmith; and brother Rev. Jackie Collins and wife Janice of Asheville.
Harold is preceded in death by his parents Lewis and Fannie Mae Collins, sisters Clara Collins Rogers, Martha Collins Curry, and brothers Charles Collins and Jerry Collins.
Like many others of his generation Harold left the farm life in the 1950’s and joined the corporate work force during a time of great prosperity in our country. He quickly became a traveling salesman in the food industry and worked for Asheville Packing Company and PFG for 44 years. Harold joked to his friends that he sold bologna for a living!
Harold is remembered by his friends and family as a man of integrity who led by example until the end of his life. Harold was the chairman of the deacons first at Friendship Baptist Church and later at Newfound Baptist Church were we also led the building committee for its current sanctuary.
Funeral services for Mr. Collins will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday at Newfound Baptist Church, with the Revs. Jeff Maynard, Charles Phillips, and Jackie Collins officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Friday at the church, prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bereavement Fund at Newfound Baptist Church.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.
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Gwen and family,
Sorry to hear of Harold’s passing, but you know he is rejoicing with the Lord and his family and friends who have gone on before him. He no longer suffers!!! Harold was a good man and a friend/co-worker to my Dad, Junior Ingle and my brother Ronnie Ingle. They all worked together for years. May God give you all comfort and peace as you go through the next few days, months and years ahead. Please know that you will be in our thoughts & prayers.
We were so saddened to hear of the loss of Uncle Harold. He will be sorely missed. We wish we could be there in your time of loss. May the Lord bless and keep you.
Gwen and family, Randall and I were truly sorry to hear of Harolds passing. I know that he is no longer suffering but his loss will be felt . He was such a wonderful man , a man you could look up to and depend on to do the right thing whatever the task might be.
I worked with Harold for many years at Asheville Packing . He was a fine man and also very very sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this difficult time and in the days to come. God Bless you all
So sorry to hear about Harold . I grew up in the same church with Harold at Victory Baptist on Olivette Rd. . I went to school with his wife Gwen . We know sometime it’s hard to give up our loved ones ,but he will no longer suffer any pain . He will b missed . Our prayers go out for the family .
Gwen, Robin, and family. We were sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. He was one of the good ones, and he will be missed. His legacy is his family, and he was proud of all of you.
Gwen -so sorry to read of Harold’s passing. He was a true gentleman. May you find peace and comfort as you and the family move forward.
Gwen and family: Sorry for the loss of your beloved husband and father. May God comfort you and give you peace in the coming days.
So sorry to hear about Harold wish you and your family condolences I just went through this myself with Carroll July last year if there’s anything I can do for you or anybody in the family please let me know
Gwen and family, I am so sad to know we have lost one of the finest, most honorable, dedicated and hilarious man that I have ever had the privilege to call friend. Harold was a friend to everyone, kind beyond belief and would go out of his way to make someone else’s life better. He was a true example of what we all hope our son’s grow up to be. I know you will miss him horribly, I hope your great memories of being part of his life will warm your heart and see you through the difficult days ahead. He was so proud and loved each of you with all his heart. I can’t recount the times he couldn’t wait to share a story about one of you first thing on Monday mornings. I will always cherish dear sweet Pappy and the impact he made on my life. All my love to each of you…
Gwen,
I am so sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. It was good to re-new our friendship at the Erwin Class of 1958 reunions. Remembering you and your family in our prayers.
We are very sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers!
Von (Dora Sams son)
JoAnn & Family
Gwen and family. So sorry about Harold. He was an inspiration for many. A good man. I hope you comfort as you move on. My thoughts are with you Gwen.
Thinking of you Gwen and keeping you and family in my prayers
Growing up in the same area, Olivette Road, I remember Harold from a very young age. He was always friendly to me as a child and later years. Gwen, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jackie, so many memories that I can not even begin except they started in 1947 and the Lord has been good to us and we are so thankful for the Collins family and what they have stood for in the community.
Querida Gwen !! Lamento mucho enterarme de esta triste noticia sobre el fallecimiento de Harold , un fuerte abrazo para vos y Robin !!!