Gerald Wayne “Dickie” Collins, 78, of Ivydale, died Friday, June 5, 2026, at his home.
He was born March 14, 1948, in Charleston, the son of the late Arthur G. and Melissa O’Dell Godbey Collins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Ruby Collins, Sylvia Wine, Betty Smith, Sharon Collins and Hazel Brewer; brothers, Braden Collins, Junior Collins, Clifford Collins and Roy Collins.
Gerald retired as a school bus driver for the Roane County Board of Education.
He was a member of the Laborers International Union of North America Local #1353, Charleston, and a former volunteer for the Newton Fire Department. He was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Betty J. Boggs Collins of Ivydale; daughters, Betty Denise (James) Siford of Clendenin, Debra (Rusty) McKinney of Ivydale, Donna (Donnis) Faircloth of Pikeville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Dustin Mullins of Chattanooga, Tenn. Nathan (Samantha) Mullins of Clendenin, Jadia (Brian) Mitchem, Brooklyn McKinney, Arabella Faircloth and Donnis Faircloth; great-grandchildren: Aubree and Isabella Mitchem, Olivia and Adelyn Mullins and Malea Ligeralde; brothers and sisters: Ruth Burdette of Sissonville, James (Barbara) Collins of Newton, General (Elvie) Collins of Spencer, Reba Streber of Newton, Leonard (Connie) Collins of Newton, Anna Collins of Liverpool, Roger Collins of St. Marys, Rondall (Patsy) Collins of Spencer and Mike (Diane) Collins of Newton; fur baby, Bear.
His pastimes included hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed dirt track racing, reruns of Gunsmoke, Walker Texas Ranger and the Three Stooges.
Visitation was from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the funeral service was held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 9th at John H. Taylor Funeral Home, Spencer, with Rev. Dean Rogers officiating. Burial was in King-Kirkhart Cemetery, Newton.
