Thomas DeWitt

Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL

Viewed: 979

Posted by: Warren Holloway Ward FH
334-684-9999
Date: May 16 2024 1:12 PM

Thomas DeWitt “Tom” Collins passed away peacefully at his residence in Samson on May 15, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 82 years old.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 20, 2024, at Samson First Methodist Church with Rev. Phil Craddock and Rev. Dustin Wise officiating. Burial will follow at Travelers Rest Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday beginning at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Samson First Methodist Church, 204 W. Main St., Samson, AL 36477 or Travelers Rest Cemetery P.O. Box 703, Samson, AL 36477.

Tom was born on April 4, 1942 in Samson, AL to the late Leroy “Fatty” and Glennie Lee Marsh Collins. He was their only, and much beloved son.

Tom was a lifelong resident of Samson, Alabama. He attended Samson schools and graduated in 1960 from SHS. He was proud to be a Samson Alumni and spent his entire adult life faithfully supporting the athletic programs at Samson High School. Countless generations of athletes and fans can attest to his dedication and support, seeing his smiling face in the stands cheering them on. Tom was always proud to be a Samson Tiger and he rarely missed any home games whether it be football or basketball. He was their #1 Fan. When Tom was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation with lifetime entrance to all sporting events, it was such a great honor and he was so happy to be recognized by SHS Administration. That certificate was proudly displayed in his home, and he showed it to everyone who visited with him.

You will never find another Samsonian who loved his community more. Tom was always ready with a smile or a hearty “Hey!” to all he met. He had a gentle soul, a sharp sense of humor, and an unpretentious way of living life.

Tom was a lifelong member of the Samson First Methodist Church. He loved the Lord and his church family. What a blessing they have been to Tom over the years as they have offered friendship, fellowship, help and encouragement especially during his recent illness.

Along with his love for Samson High, Tom also loved the Auburn Tigers. He kept meticulous records of football stats and was a collector of all things War Eagle. Beating the Crimson Tide during football season was a highlight to Tom, and he would easily tell you that “he didn’t like Alabama”.

Any given day, before his health declined, you would find Tom at the drug store making coffee for the customers. He would be there early to greet everyone and chat about local news, gossip, football, weather, or anything else interesting. He also spent his lunchtime at Granny’s Diner, where he would enjoy delicious food and getting to visit with folks as well as get spoiled by the attention of the employees there.

Tom loved his family and although he had no siblings, his cousins were like brothers and sisters to him. Family was important to Tom, and throughout the years, friends and neighbors became like family too. The community adopted Tom; he was known far and wide and he never met a stranger. Chances are, if you were driving through town, you would be guaranteed a wave and smile if you saw Tom out walking. Honk the horn at him, and you’d get a big two-handed wave.

Tom is survived by one loving and devoted aunt, Helen Marsh Harrell of Enterprise, AL; devoted lifelong neighbors and special friends, Sherry Hagler Brooks and her husband, Bill of Samson, AL; a host of cousins, friends and a loving church family. Tom will be missed by those who knew him and loved him.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to the King Family, Sherry & Bill Brooks, members of the Samson First Methodist Church, Mary Parrish, Jamey Mock and all Granny's Diner employees, Tom’s classmates, Dayspring Hospice, Britanni Davis, Amy McKinney Roberts, and caregivers Pam Chancey, Georginna Shiver, Ida Cumbie, Rhonda Stone, and Faye Bryan. The kindness & care shown to Tom over the years and in the recent months has been so appreciated, and we are grateful for your loving hearts.

Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. "Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com  

 

 

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