SCHLEY COUNTY, GA - OBITS Thomas Asa Collins 1862-1923 ***************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm *********************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: bettydon@foxinternet.net Don Collins THOMAS ASA COLLINS JULY 12, 1862 - NOVEMBER 22, 1923 OBITUARY (written by Mrs. H.J. Williams) In the solemn stillness of a cool November night, grim death silently stole into our midst and took Mr. T. A. Collins, one of our most beloved citizens. Ere the news that he was desperately ill had reached our populace, came the tidings that the great and magnanimous soul of Mr. Collins had passed into that better world prepared for all of those who love the Lord. A pall of sadness enshrouds us, for hushed is the voice and closed are the eyelids of him, who in life bent all the energies of his heart and mind in trying to help his fellowman, and in supplying the necessities of life to his loved ones. Mr. Collins was pre-eminently a leader in the affairs of life with which he chose to work. As a commercial traveller, he was one of the best, as a business man, he was alert, as a friend, he was true, and as a husband and father he could not be excelled. Ever ready to supply every need, affectionate, tender and of a compassionate nature, his four sons and his devoted wife revered him and loved him with an intensity that beggars description. Mr. Collins was a devoted member of the Methodist Church. It is perhaps through the church and Sunday School that he was best known. Never a Sunday to gloomy for him to be in his place in Sunday School. The Wesley Bible Class will recall with tender memory that on Armistice Day, the 11th of November, he came bringing flower for each member of the class. With his own hands he plucked and gave to the committee on church decorations for that memorable occasion many of the lovely chrysanthemums that made the church so beautiful. Tom Collins loved the church of his risen Lord. That he had established the kingdom of God in his heart, was proven by his devotion to every phase of church work. For many years he has been a regular attendant at the South Georgia Conference. He looked after the interests of the church as he did his own interests. He served as a stewart, was lay leader for the Ellaville charge and filled other places of honor and trust. Mr. Collins was a Mason, a K.P. and a director in the Bank of Ellaville. He was interested in all that pertained to the welfare of the town. No man had more civic pridethan he, nor was more interersted in public welfare. He was a friend to the poor and needy, contributing to their wants whenever and where ever opportunity presented itself. As a commercial traveller, Mr. Collins was known all over Georgia and adjoining states. Hundreds of friends will read with sorrow the announcement of his death. He made friends where ever he went, but his was a congenial spirit that clearly demonstrated the doctrine of the brotherhood of man and brought human nature in close touch to the divine nature that God has implanted in each human being. We will miss Tom Collins for he occupied a place among our citizenry that will never be filled. May his ultimate going away cause us to have a deeper longing in our heart for God and for the things that pertain to eternal life. Bravely he fought the good fight, he finished the faith, and we believe he is wearing in heaven the crown of righteousness. Mr. Collins funeral will occur Saturday morning at 10 o'clock at the Methodist Church and will be conducted by his pastor, Rev. B.L. Jordan and presiding elder, Dr. W. C. Lovett. He is survived by his wife; four sons, Messrs. Haynes, Earle, Harry, and Lewis Collins; three brothers, Messrs. W. H., E. E., and S. C. Collins, besides a number of neices and nephews. To them all we tender our sincere sympathy, commending them to the love of our Heavenly Father who doeth all things well. ============== NOTES: Thomas Asa Collins, born July 12, 1862, in Taylor County, Georgia, the second son of Jessie Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Murray Collins. With his parents he moved to Schley County in his youth in 1873 and married Jessie Lee Peacock in Schley County on February 4, 1890. They had five sons, Raymond (born December 1890 and died December 22, 1899) Haynes Stephen Collins (born May 31, 1892 - died June 25, 1941) Earle Strathmore Collins (born October 22, 1893 - died Jamuary 12, 1956) Harry Couric Collins (born June 3, 1895 -died October 16, 1974) and Louis M. Collins (born 1897 and died 1950). Thomas Asa Collins lived most of his life in Ellaville and died in Ellaville on November 22, 1923. He is buried in the Ellaville City Cemetary.