John Gregory "Greg" Collins

Mr. John Gregory Collins Sr. (Greg), age 92, passed away Thursday, September 15, 2016 after two months of declining health.

Greg was born December 23, 1923 in Trenton NC to Fay Roy and Agnes Monk Collins.

He retired from Chatham Manufacturing Company where he had been recruited to play baseball for the Chatham Blanketeers and was the sole survivor of the 1948 National Championship runner-up team.  Prior to this, Greg attended Georgetown University where he played baseball and basketball. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the US Army Corps.

Greg was one of the original founders of the Elkin Little League, as well as a coach for many years. He was also a founding member of St Stephen Catholic Church where he served in many different ministries and, until recently, sang in the choir.

As the patriarch of a large, extended family of over 100 members, he was most happy when spending time with his relatives.  He will be fondly remembered for hosting many family reunions, telling his long and drawn out, yet entertaining stories, and leading everyone in song, all while smoking his pipe.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three younger brothers, Roy Collins, Jr.; Joe Collins; and Bill Collins.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary Elizabeth; a son John Gregory Collins Jr. and his wife Catherine of Winston-Salem; two daughters, Sara Hill and husband Tony of Greensboro; Chrissie Pardue and husband Gary of Eustis, Fl.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Amy Morse (Bobby), Lee Pardue, Paul Pardue, Tim Hill (Teresa), Holly Proud (Greg), Susan Terry (Rikki), Greg Collins 111, and Jenny Hughes, along with ten great grandchildren; Emily, Sara, Gregory, Charlie, Bradley, Joey, Benji, Thomas, Aubrey and Brenna.  Also surviving are beloved nieces, nephews and cousins, many of whom have visited during these past few weeks.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday , September 20, 2016 at 10:00 am at St. Stephen Catholic Church with Father John Hanic, Monsignor Gerald Lewis and Sister Janis McQuade, SSJ officiating.  The family will receive friends following the service from 11:15 am to 12:15 am at St. Stephen Family Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Stephen Catholic Church; 101 Hawthorne Road, Elkin NC  28621.