Walter F. Collins

Walter F. Collins, age 94 of Midtown, TN passed away on Monday, January 9, 2012 with his daughters at his side. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kingston, where he was a longtime deacon and Sunday School teacher. He was born in Winchester, TN on December 15, 1917 to Amos and Mary Collins. He grew up around the Chattanooga area and received a B.A. degree in Business Administration in 1940 from the Tennessee Technological University. During World War II he served as a lieutenant commander in the Coast Guard from 1942-1946. Shortly thereafter he joined the Tennessee Valley Authority as a Cost Accountant where he met Ethel Jones, whom he married in 1949. They were married for 52 years and had two daughters. His TVA projects included Paradise Steam Plant in Kentucky, and Watts Bar Nuclear Plant in East Tennessee. Retiring in 1978 after 37 years of service, he then earned a graduate degree in Education from Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville. Walter's jogging interest began when he and his wife, Ethel, moved to their house in Midtown Heights. He ran more than 640 races since he began in 1978 at age 60, including a 9-year string of 40+ races per year while he was aged 74 thru 83. Local runners honored him by proclaiming a spring race in Kingston, The Walter Collins 5K Road Race. He was a Past President of the Kingston Lions Club and member of Union Lodge #38. Preceded in death by loving wife Ethel Jones Collins, parents Amos and Mary Collins and brother George Collins. Walter's smile, humor, charm, generosity, and kindness will be missed by so very many. He was an inspiration to many people of all ages. Survivors include: Daughter Carol Collins Fox of Naples, FL; Daughter Sue Collins Reed and son-in-law James Reed of Coppell, TX; Grandson Barrett Collins Reed of Coppell, TX. Celebration of Life 11am Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at the First Baptist Church, Kingston with Dr. Sonny Works officiating. Memorials may be made to Hands of Mercy Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1168, Kingston, TN. 17763. The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7:30pm Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at the Kyker Funeral Home in Kingston.