Gerald “Pete” Collins, age 75, of Elizabethton, passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2014, in the Johnson City Medical Center following a brief illness.
Mr. Collins was a native of Carter County, and a son of the late O.B. and Anna Mae Guess Collins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Eric Lee Collins, January 13, 1985; and a brother, Richard J. Collins.
Mr. Collins was a business agent for Watauga Rayon Workers, Local No. 2207 and was a retired employee of the Tennessee Department of Labor, Workman’s Compensation Division. He also helped establish the Carter County Hunting and Fishing Club and was a United States Army veteran, having served in the Medical Corps and the Tennessee Army National Guard with the 776th Maintenance Company.
He was of the Free Will Baptist faith.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Millie Ornduff Collins of the home. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
The family would like to invite friends to call at their convenience, between the hours of 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2014, in the Fireside Room of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton.
A graveside service for Mr. Collins will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, May 9, 2014, at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Pastor Larry Collins officiating. Active pallbearers will be David Collins and other selected friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Eugene Buck, Kenny McKinney, Brian Addison, Tommy Hulse and Bill Fraley. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton at 1:15 p.m. Friday, to go in procession. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton is serving the Collins family. Office 423 542-2232, Obituary line 543-4917.