Jerry Ray Collins, 78, of Ironton, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010, at a local health care center. The Lawrence County native was born July 18, 1932, the son of the late Maurice Collins and Jewell Drummond Collins Wagner. He is survived by his loving wife, Glenna Faye Riley Collins, whom he married Aug. 11, 1950.

Mr. Collins attended Ironton City School and served in the National Guard. He retired after 36 years Allied Signal/Honeywell, where he worked as an operator and in the maintenance department. He was a member of the Gateway Baptist Church in Ironton and was a newspaper carrier for the Ironton Tribune for 12 years.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two sons, Michael Collins and Jeff Collins; two brothers, Buss Collins and Joe Collins; two sisters, Clara Falk and Carol Collins; one grandchild, Joshua Scott Collins; and two great grandchildren, Julian Samuel Stanley and Carmen Alexis Stapleton.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons and a daughter-in-law, J.R. and Melissa Collins of Ironton, Larry and Christi Collins of Westerville and Steve Collins of Ironton; four daughters and two sons-in-law, Penny and Bob Bazell of Ironton, Sue Ellen and Gordon Hall of Soddy Daisy, Tenn., Kathy Allen of South Point, and Marianne Collins of Ashland, Ky.; 13 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; aunt, Alma Roush of Ironton; cousin, Walter Edward Collins of Florida; and his special pet Buddy Funeral service will be 12 p.m. Friday at Phillips Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Jenkins officiating.

Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery.

Friends may call Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.