Thomas Edward Collins

Mineral RidgeThomas E. Collins, 89, passed away early Wednesday morning at Northside Hospital. The son of Samuel and Lizzy Collings, Thomas was born October 4, 1922. Thomas was the loving husband of Florence Butler Collins with whom he spent almost 70 wonderful years of marriage. He was a proud and amazing father to Tommy, Betsy, Barbara, Johnny and Tina. Thomas was also a doting grandfather to Lori, Larry, Denise, Dawn Sean, Kelly, Brandy, JJ, Christopher, Ian and Scotia. Great grandfather to Billi K, Mike, Jeremy, Kilah, Braedon, Triton, Ramsey, Ryan, Bethany, Indigo, Augusta and Crimson. Soon to be great great grandfather to Billi K's baby. Thomas was WWII veteran with tours in the Philippines and New Guinea. He was an expert welder for GATX. He was also an accomplished archer and bowler with numerous awards. A man of many talents and passions Thomas was a golfer, model airplane builder, gardener, house builder, home remodeler, canner, electrician, playset builder, plumber, animal lover, self taught guitarist, harmonica player, piano player, singer, whistler and comedian. Thomas was a total lover of life and family and a truly amazing and wonderful all around human being who will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege to know him. He was wise enough to be the president of the USA, handsome enough to be a movie star, funny enough to be a standup comedian, sang better than any country singer, but instead chose to be an amazing father. He was the best dad, we are so honored and fortunate for that. There was never a more selfless individual than our father. Always thinking and doing for others. Always putting others needs ahead of his own. Generous to a fault. Kind and loving, funny. He is preceded in death by his siblings Bill, Sam, John and Jimmy, Nellie, Lillian, Tippy, Jesse and Mary. Also preceding Thomas are a son Johnny and a grandson JJ. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.