This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Edward Collins, PRC
to remember
Collins, Morris (Randy), PO1 USN(Ret).
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Last Address Chattanooga
Date of Passing Jul 02, 2007
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Randy Collins, 59, a resident of Hixson, died Monday, July 2, 2007, losing his battle with cancer. Born October 2, 1947, in Palmer, TN, he was extremely devoted to his family. Many young men of his generation were faced with the possibility of being drafted for Vietnam. Randy chose, instead, to take control of his destiny by joining the U.S. Navy voluntarily. During the summer of 1965, at 17 years old, he left for basic training in San Diego, CA. After more than half of a 20-year career spent at sea and the other half spent on non-deploying or utility ships, Randy decided to retire from military service. He was duly recognized for his 20-years of sustained, superior performance during conduct as a professional member of the U.S. Navy. He served through many conflicts in the defense of freedom and the proliferation of democracy including crises in the Middle East, Grenada, and our lengthy, vigilant watch over the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Randy loved his career, he loved his Navy, he loved his country, and, most importantly, he loved his Sailors, who affectionately referred to him as “Pops.”
As a father and husband, despite the separation the Navy would bring, he was always with his family in times of despair and need. When called upon, as he has been again, this time by God, he trusted his beloved wife to hold together the household. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret Collins, and by siblings Johnny, Sarah, and Bill. His survivors include his wife, Deborah Elisabeth Collins of Hixson, his children Angie Collins of Hixson, Edward (Leigh) Collins of Brandon, MS, and James (Amanda) Collins of Hixson. Additionally, he is survived by sisters Mary (Doug) Partrich, Lou Ellen (Chip) Reynolds, Shirley Smith, and Doris (Charles) Greenwood; and brothers Raybon (Jean) Collins, Ken (Ann) Collins, and Jerry (Melba) Collins. Additionally, he has six grand-children, Theresa, Graham, Jennifer, Emily, Jimmy Jr., and Paige.
We will all miss him dearly. Death, be not proud because Heaven is Dad’s reward.
1976-1978, EN-0000, Naval Station (NAVSTA) Roosevelt Roads, PR
