Raymond Alton “Skeeter” Collins
January 4, 1936 ~ July 11, 2019
ROCKY MOUNT - Raymond Alton "Skeeter" Collins, age 83, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2019. Born in Franklin County, NC on January 4, 1936, he was the son of the late Julius Collins and Lois Fuller Collins. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Clinton and Hubert Collins; and sisters, Elizabeth Stuppy and Zelma Wilcox.
Skeeter served honorably in the North Carolina Army National Guard for 13 years as a Wire Foreman Staff Sergeant. He retired from Sprint Communications, formerly Carolina Telephone Company following 42 years of dedicated service as a Test Deskman. Skeeter was a devout and faithful Christian, having been a dedicated member of Dortches Baptist Church for 60 years, volunteering in various roles within the church such as serving as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, choir member, RA Leader and youth ministry. Loved among many, Skeeter was known as Mr. Tootsie Roll as many children of the church came to know him for always having tootsie rolls in his pocket which he would happily offer in exchange for a smile. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, Skeeter will be dearly missed.
Skeeter leaves behind to cherish his memory, wife of 63 years, Ellie Ayscue Collins; children, Lennie Collins of Raleigh, Jeffrey and Patty Collins of Cape Carteret. He is also survived by grandchildren, Olivia, Adam and Caroline; great-granddaughter, Abigail; sister-in-law, Jean Collins; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, July 14, 2019 at 3:30 PM at Dortches Baptist Church, 4776 Dortches Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Pastor Phillip Barton and Rev. Chet Rains officiating. Entombment will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel on the Hill Mausoleum. The Family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, July 13, 2019 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either Dortches Baptist Church Music Ministry, 4776 Dortches Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804; Cape Carteret Baptist Church Music Ministry, 101 Anita Forte Drive, Cape Carteret, NC 28584; or St. James United Methodist Church Music Ministry, 3808 St. James Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27604.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> |
Saturday 7/13, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, July 13, 2019 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
Service
Dortches Baptist Church
4776 Dortches Blvd.
Rocky mount, NC 27804
Sunday 7/14, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, July 14, 2019 at 3:30 PM at Dortches Baptist Church, 4776 Dortches Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Pastor Phillip Barton and Rev. Chet Rains officiating.
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel on the Hill Mausoleum
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Sunday 7/14, 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Entombment will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park Chapel on the Hill Mausoleum.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Where or how to begin…the most loving, kind, sincere, mentor a niece could ever hope for. Uncle Skeeter brought strength to me in the most best times and the worst times. He brought much laughter and joy into my life. His love of God, family and friends was his greatest asset. He is now our angel protector.
We are so sorry to hear of Skeeter’s passing. Our deepest sympathies to Ellie and her family. Love & condolences from Donna & Mike Hines, Jennifer & Zack Bridgers
In memory of Raymond Alton Skeeter Collins, Larry Ellis lit a candle
Rest in Peace Uncle Skeeter.
Rest In Peace Dear Friend… you will be missed… Jackson & Dolly Joyner; David, Jacqueline & Sarah Chartier
I am sadden to hear of the passing of Raymond. I worked with him for many years. He was always so nice, soft spoken, and willing to help me. I am sorry for your loss. May God grant you peace and comfort. God bless!
RIP
In memory of Raymond Alton Skeeter Collins, Linda Hans lit a candle
I am so saddened to learn of Skeeters passing. My prayers and thoughts are with all of the family.
Ellie, Lennie, Jeffrey, I am so sorry for your loss, but you know Skeeter is with the Lord and has no more pain. I remember our Recreation Nights at the clubhouse when we played volleyball and had ice cream suppers. Skeeter was just one of us kids making us laugh and playing right along with us. Now he is with God and is passing out Tootsie rolls to the children.
In memory of Raymond Alton Skeeter Collins, V. Gail Proctor lit a candle
Enjoyed working with Raymod for many years..my thoughts and prsyers are with his family.
I didn’t know this gentleman, but I was an operator in Dunn and in Fayetteville. So he was a part of our work family. I’m so sorry for your lost but I know he is with some of his friends in heaven rejoicing. God be with you during this time.
In memory of Raymond Alton Skeeter Collins, Dan and Carla Glover lit a candle
We are so saddened by the news of Skeeter’s passing. I don’t ever remember a time that he didn’t have a smile on his face. Some of my fondest memories from my childhood always included Ellie and Skeeter, Jeffrey and Lennie. Ellie, you and family are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers with much love.
Ellie, I am so sorry to hear of your precious lost. Ann Marshall just called me and I send my condolence and prayers. May God be with you always. I treasure all my memories of you and Skeeter. Take care and maybe we can get together some day. Love always, Annette
Jeff and Patty, My prayers are with you and your entire family. May God Bless You.
I was so very sorry to learn of the loss of Raymond. I had the pleasure of working with Raymond at the telephone company in the service center for several years until 1982 when I transferred to network switching. I enjoyed working with Raymond because he was a very easygoing person and always treated everyone with respect. He always greeted everyone with a smile. I know he will be greatly missed! May God comfort his sweet family during this time of sorrow.