Eugene "Gene" Collins

A celebration of life for Gene Collins, 78, of Corinth is scheduled for 1:00 PM Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at First Baptist Church with interment to follow in Henry Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Wednesday, August 2022 at First Baptist Church. Bro. Nathan Vanhorn and Bro. Ralph Culp will officiate the service. Lauren Butler will read a poem and Bro. Dennis Smith will deliver the eulogy. Pallbearers include Joe Gurley, Jake Jefcoat, Jude Jefcoat, David Shipman, Richard Tate, Ronnie Sleeper, John Smillie, and J.B. Darnell. First Baptist Church Sunday School Class Group A will serve as honorary pallbearers. 

Mr. Collins was lovingly known to most as “Papa Gene”.  He was a caring husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and fishing partner.  

He met the love of his life Ann in 1979, when he came to Corinth to work on the Kimberly Clark project.  They were married on October 31, 1981 and had 41 wonderful years of marriage.  He was a devout Christian and served as a past Deacon for First Baptist Church of Corinth among other various capacities. If a hand was needed, he was the first to offer.  He loved spending time with family, friends and his beloved pets.  Some of his happiest days were spent on the lake fishing with his wife and fishing buddies.  

Gene was known for his deep sense of compassion for others.  He had appreciation and love for everyone he met.  God blessed him with the gift of making others smile.  One of his greatest fulfillments was knowing he lifted the spirits of others.  He always made people laugh no matter what he had to do or how silly he needed to be, his sense of humor was infectious and contagious.

Pulmonary Fibrosis, took over his body eventually leaving him homebound. In his final days he still found a reason to be grateful. He died peacefully holding Ann’s hand on August 21, 2022 at Magnolia Regional Health. He found peace and was ready for his Heavenly Home, leaving us remembering this great man and the joy he brought to us all.  

Those left to honor Gene’s memory include his wife of 41 years, Ann Collins; daughters, Nicole Henshaw, Dedra Utley Walker, and Teri Utley Gurley and husband Joe; grandchildren, Caroline Elizabeth Henshaw, Katherine Lilly Henshaw, Landon Gurley and wife Marci, Lauren Walker Butler and husband Taylor, Jordan Gurley, and Brandy Gurley Settlemires and husband Marty; great grandchildren, Rayne Gurley, Gunner Gurley, Walker Butler, Ann Rivers Gurley, Austin Settlemires, and Addison Settlemires; brother, Darrell Collins; sister-in-law, Deb Collins; 2 nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Shepard Eugene and Lillie Mae Railey Collins.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to First Baptist Children’s Ministry, First Baptist Youth Ministry, or Transformation Ranch.

Magnolia Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Gene Collins .