In Memory

Tommy Collins - Class Of 1950 VIEW PROFILE

Tommy Collins


 

Obituary

Thomas D. Collins, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 22, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.  He was born December 23, 1932 at Memorial Hospital in Nacogdoches, Texas to Ruth and Tom Collins, Sr.  Thomas graduated from Timpson High School in 1950 and attended Stephen F. Austin State University where he studied Accounting. 

In 1952, Thomas entered the United States Air Force and completed his basic and cadet training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.   He became a commissioned officer in 1954 and flew T33, F86 and F84 Fighter Jets during his tenure.  He was honorably discharged from his service in December, 1957 and returned to Garrison to be co-owner of Tinkle Brothers Department Store.   

Mr. Collins was active in the Garrison community for over 60 years where he had many dear friends.  He was a member of the Garrison Volunteer Fire Department, the Garrison Ambulance and EMT Service and the Garrison Lions Club.  He was a Director of Commercial State Bank for many years and was a long time member of First Baptist Church.   

He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing adventures, drinking coffee and attending cookouts at the deer camp with his friends.   He was a farmer and rancher and tended to the family properties for many years.  He loved growing a garden, cooking on the back porch, spending time with his family and was the best son, brother, husband, father and grandfather that anyone could ever have.       

Thomas married Nannette Tinkle October 23, 1955.  They shared 65 years together and Nannette survives him along with their two sons, Ron and wife, Nancy of Nacogdoches, Texas and Stan and wife Beth of San Augustine, Texas.  He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Lindsay Ferrell and husband Darrek, Matthew Collins, Zachary Collins and wife Jessica, Andrew Collins and great grandchildren Violet Collins and Harrison Ferrell.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Tom Collins, Sr.  He is survived by sisters, Frances Bailey and husband Paul and Jane Kimbro and husband Joe and many nieces and nephews.    

Thomas’ family extends a special thanks to Dr. Mark Cline, Dr. Rachel Head, Dr. C. Fagg Sanford, Dr. James Caccitolo, Dr. Jason Suits and the caring nurses and warm staff at Nacogdoches Medical Center.  Special thanks also go out to caregivers Cynthia Holmes and Rhonda Henry and the nurses and staff of Encompass Home Health, Hospice of East Texas and the Garrison Nursing Home.            

Pallbearers are Kerry Beard, Rusty Cook, Billy Curbow, J.P. Dobbs, Gus Irwin and Glenn Ramsey.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Garrison, Garrison Volunteer Fire Department, Garrison Ambulance and EMT Service or the Garrison Lions Club. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas D. Collins, Jr., please visit our floral store.

 





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