Russell Edwin Collins

Russell Edwin Collins, age 81, of Demorest, passed away on Friday, October 1, 2021. 

Born on August 13, 1940, he was a son of the late William Earl and Maude George Collins. Most of his career involved automotive paint and body work, service manager for GM, and most recently, 18 years as Fleet Maintenance Manager for U-Haul. He was a bonafide son of God with many years of Christian ministry in the Georgia Mountains Tres Dias Community as well as other acts of service such as, Church Elder and steering committee member for local evangelic crusades. Mr. Collins was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was a loving husband and wonderful grandfather. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Estelle Cheney and Irene Clifton and brothers, Don Collins and Buddy Collins. 

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Christine Collins; sons and daughters-in-law: William Edwin Collins and Valerie, Steven Russell Collins, Donald Earl Collins, and Michael Scott Gallops and Kristen; grandchildren: Abby, Brianna, D.J., Samantha, Hannah, Jimmy, Paul, and Christopher; nieces: Janice, Debbie, and Jenny; sister-in-law, Lucille; and brother-in-law, Billy. 

Plans for a memorial service are incomplete at this time and will be announced at a future date.  

For those who wish to make donations, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made “In Memory of Russell Collins” to Georgia Mountains Tres Dias, 286 Pebble Creek Drive, Toccoa, Georgia 30577. 

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com. 

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.