JOHN RODMAN COLLINS was born on January 15, 1935, in Harlan, Kentucky, to the late Sonshine Mae Swain and John Collins. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Georgia Collins; parents, John and Sunshine Mae Swain; grandsons, Michael Palm and Tim Owsley; brother and sister- in-law, Jesse and Karen Simms; sisters, Mary Sweeney, Mae (Jerry) Offit, and George Ann Mitchum; and brother, Eugene Carter. John moved from Harlan to Dayton, Ohio, and was employed at General Motors (GM), Delco Remy plant where he worked for 34 years as a machinist. While in Dayton, John enjoyed his favorite hobby of roller skating. He was a master roller skater, traveling around the state with a roller skating club. His prized possession was his powder blue suede skates which he always talked about. Known throughout the Dayton for his skating skill by young and old, he was always willing to teach others how to skate or improve their skating skills. John skated until he was in his 70’s and had to be taken out of the skating rink on a stretcher. Only a restriction from his doctor stopped him from skating. After uniting with New Covenant Believers’ Church, he joined the Usher Board where he served for many years until his back pain became unbearable. He was a faithful, dependable servant who loved being an usher so the decision to stop ushering was extremely difficult. The Usher Board honored him for his years of service. John was passionate about his relationship with the Lord and his church. He looked forward to attending Bible Study, Sunday morning worship, and the Monday Brotherhood prayer breakfast.
Precious memories will be forever cherished by sons, John (Cathy) Douglas of Lexington, Kentucky and Stephan (Regina) Douglas of Columbus, Ohio; brothers, Billy Joe Jones of Atlanta, Georgia, Russell Simms of Dayton, Ohio, and Charles (Nina) Simms of Harlan, Kentucky; sister, Naja Simms of Dayton, Ohio; a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation 6:00 PM Thursday December 17, 2020 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH, 2500 Cleveland Ave. and Private Funeral Service 11:00 AM Friday, December 18, 2020 at New Covenant Believers Church, 3400 Kohr Blvd. Interment at Evergreen Burial Park. Mask and Social Distancing are required at all services.
Our deepest condolences to the Collins, Simms and all other family members. John, a man of dignity, character and filled with a Loving spirit will live in our hearts forever. We were fortunate to have grown-up in his orbit and continued in that realm for all his life. He never met a stranger, was respectful and caring to each and everyone with whom he had contact. We are greatly sad to learn of his passing. However, we do know that he is smiling down right and saying “I am okay, just take care of your families. He loved everyone as family and did not hesitate to exhibit his Love. Our grown daughter, Dr. Lesley Williams Blackwell,
remembers when she was around 10 years old, on one of our visits to Dayton, John took her roller skating with him! There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. To John’s family know that he exemplified Love. “For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” – 1 John 4:18 Rest in Peace our Brother. Sincerely, Les and Rhoda Williams
Thanks so much for your prayers and condolences. My Dad was good Man and will forever be missed.
Thoughts and prayers to the collins family
Thanks so much for your prayers and condolences. My Dad was good Man and will forever be missed.
We extend our deepest Sympathies and continual prayers to the Family and friends of Mr. Collins. Our Church will keep you lifted in continual prayer. May God bless and Heaven continue to smile down upon you all.
Deacon Jackie Blanton Sr, Pastor Bishop E Carter III and Members Of
Bethsaida Baptist Church
3700 Tates Creek Rd
Lexington, Ky 40517
Prayers & thoughts to Mr John Collins family. He was one of the nicest person I had the pleasure of knowing. He always had a smile & time to converse with you. I will sorely miss him
Lynn and Edward Dudley wishes to extend are deepest sympathy to Stephan and Regina Douglas and the entire Collins Clan on the passing Mr. John Collins. We know that the Lord will…..
Ed and Lynn
Thanks so much for your prayers and condolences. My family is blessed to have good friends
Man hard to believe he’s gone, I will always remember sneaking in the fridge at Grandma house and eating his lunch meat, he was very impressed by my 20yrs of military service and I will always remember his wisdom he gave us when we was growing up. With the deepest condolences from his nephew Alphie “Bunny Bun” Simms and wife Evangeline Simms from South Korea
The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD for giving this beloved servant of God.
Only knowing him for a short period of time, it was yet refreshing to speak with him and enjoying hearing of the good ole days.
Such a warm and kind spirit and my continued prayers for this wonderful family.
May the peace of Almighty God and the sweet communion of the Holy Spirit, rest, rule and abide with you all, this is my prayer in Jesus; name.
Respectfully,
Brenda (Richmond KY)