William Raymond "Ray" Collins

William Raymond “Ray” Collins, 76, of Salem, AL passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2015 while at his home.  Memorial services will be held Monday, November 30, 2015 at Foley Hall at the Springer Opera House in Columbus, GA at 4:00 p.m. EST.   A private interment will be held at Lakeview Memory Gardens.

Mr. Collins was born December 20, 1938 in Durham, NC to the late Jerry Collins and Velma Huggins Collins.  He was retired as the owner/operator of Ray Collins Upholstery with 61 years of service.  Ray had a passion for theater work, he enjoyed operating the spot lights for River Center, Civic Center, and the Springer Theater.  He loved working crossword puzzles, flower and tomato gardening, playing his guitar, and doing magic tricks and was known as "Magic Granddaddy" to his grandchildren.  Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Lee Pope Collins and an infant brother, Malcom Collins.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 35 years, Martha "Jane" Ogletree Collins of Salem, AL, his children, Tim Collins and wife Karen of Monrovia, CA, Sandra Blayton and husband Maurice of Columbus, GA, Renee’ Rowell of Columbus, GA, Elise Keeney and husband Scott of Douglasville, GA, and Erin Collins of Flat Rock, NC; (11) grandchildren, (6) great grandchildren, numerous other extended loving family members and many friends.

Online condolences may be made at www.vancememorialchapel.net