John Allen Collins, Sr. , 80, was born March 2, 1944, in Fredericksburg, Virginia to the late Bernard Collins and Carrie Taylor Collins. He was one of six children. He peacefully departed this life at home on October 23, 2024.

In his early years, John was educated in Caroline County Schools before continuing his education in Manassas, VA. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1966. Upon his honorable discharge, he moved to Fredericksburg, VA and married the late Beulah Brown Collins. One son, John Collins Jr., was born from this union.

John was a devoted father and husband and worked hard to provide for his family. In the late 1960's he worked at Mary Washington Hospital. He went on to work as a maintenance technician at Fredericksburg Nursing Home for 20 years. He was also employed at North American Die Cast as a welder for many years. He retired from Foster Fuel & Cool/Woodfin in 2009. Throughout his work experiences, John connected with many people. He always enjoyed having a good laugh with anyone close enough to strike up a conversation.

John often assisted his wife in service initiatives at Shiloh New Site Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, VA. He volunteered by driving and participating in events. He loved fishing with his brother, James Collins. His real passion was working on old cars for himself and close friends. He enjoyed these projects with his adopted neighborhood sons, Travis Williams and Gilbert Smith. Together they rebuilt and customized many cars from top to bottom in the family garage. He also enjoyed attending car shows. John was blessed with many gifts. He enjoyed painting nature scenes, many of which he gave to friends and family who enjoyed his artwork. He was also an avid craftsman and created many custom woodworking furnishings for the home.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Beulah Brown Collins and one brother, Thomas Collins.

Those who will miss the warmth of his smile and cherish his memory are his son, John Collins, Jr.; one brother, James Collins; three sisters, Beulah, Margaret and Dorothy Collins; two sisters-in-law, Carolyn Edwards (James R.), and Brenda Walker (Stanley); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, 200 Butternut Drive, Fredericksburg, VA, 22408, on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM. The interment will be held at Quantico National Cemetery on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 10:30 AM.