Rodney V. Collins
July 22, 1935 – January 18, 2025
Funeral services for Rodney V. Collins, 89, of Thomasville, GA, are at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 23, 2025, at First Baptist Church, Thomasville, GA. Rev. Paul Ballard will officiate. Private family interment will be in Magnolia Baptist Church Cemetery, Whigham, GA. Mr. Collins passed away at home on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
Active pallbearers will be Michael Strickland, Ray Strickland, Bob Lewis, Don Harshbarger, Clayton Harshbarger and Tito Olvera.
Mr. Collins was born on July 22, 1935, in Whigham, GA, to the late Charlie C. Collins and Effie Thomas Collins. He served his country in the United States Army for seven years as a sergeant. On February 18, 1956, he married Barbara Martin Collins, who survives. They were married for over 69 years. He retired from Sunnyland Poultry Company as Plant Manager after 30 plus years of service. Rodney then opened Collins Mobile Home Parts, which he operated for 17 years until his final retirement. He was a devoted member of Thomasville First Baptist Church.
Rodney really enjoyed fishing with Barbara. Seeing the beauty of the sun rise and sun set each fishing trip was such a reminder of just how awesome God is. Having a fish fry for friends was a special time and he loved sharing fruit from his orchard. One of his hobbies was keeping the fish in his pond well fed. Rodney loved helping his neighbors and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Collins of Thomasville, GA; sister, Jean Strickland of Whigham, GA; special extended family, Brenda Lee of Thomasville, GA, Debbie Sanfratello of Atlanta, GA, Carol Evans of Dublin, GA; a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Madeline Collins Strickland, Lynwood E. Collins, Floyd Collins, Ina Collins Cutchins, Christine Collins Henderson and Melba Collins O’Hara.
Memorials may be made in Mr. Collins’ memory to: Thomasville First Baptist Church Senior Adult Ministries, P. O. Box 2790, Thomasville, GA 31799; Magnolia Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 91, Whigham, GA 39897; or The Gideons International Processing Center, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090.
The family wants to express their love and appreciation for his niece, Gloria Collins Lewis, for her loving care and help.
The family will receive friends at Thomasville First Baptist Church on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.
