Jerry Dean Collins, 75, of Nokomis, Florida, passed away in his home on Monday, August 15, 2022. He was born in Marion, Indiana, on Friday, June 20, 1947, to Eugene and Ethel (Smith) Collins. He was married to his loving wife, Rita (King) Collins, who survives.
Jerry D. Collins was born in Marion, Indiana, as Ethel and Eugene’s fifth child. He grew up in south Marion from humble beginnings. As a child, Jerry grew up loving (Barbee Lake), dancing, and frequenting Tippy Dance Hall, where he won numerous contests. His sister, Judy, and her friends taught him to dance early on and took him everywhere they went–many times making him hide in the back floorboard, as they cruised Custard’s Last Stand.
Jerry attended Marion High School. As a young man, he worked for his brothers in their car clean-up shop. He then opened his own shop and worked 16 hours a day cleaning cars. Once a friend showed him that he could make more money in sales with his charm and charisma, his life dramatically changed. From selling jeans out of a truck in parking lots to selling baby pictures door-to-door and movie cameras in hotel rooms, Jerry was on his way to greater things. After finding the big round dish, his life as an entrepreneur began.
In 1980, he and his brothers founded CVS Systems in Marion, Indiana, later to become The Collins Group, where he was President until his retirement in 1997. He became sole owner in 2012. Under the Collins umbrella, Collins Distribution for Collins Flags and Collins Mobile were formed.
Jerry was all about his family, spending 30 summers at Lake Wawasee with his children and grandchildren. He was a very giving and loving man who helped several families either financially or by giving advice. He always had an open mind and giving heart. He always lived life large! “Go big or go home” was his motto. He will be greatly missed by his family, but also his friends and anyone who has crossed his path!
In addition to his wife, survivors include his son, John Collins of Marion, IN; daughters, Nicole (Mike Kukuris) Smock of Sweetser, IN, and Tiffany (Martin) Bragg of Sweetser, IN; grandsons, Collin Smock, Evan Collins, Gabe Anderson, Grant Anderson, Michael Kukuris, Jr., Tyler Kukuris, and Brogan Bragg; granddaughters, Paige Smock, Ashleigh (Erik) Barnes, Alyssa (Matt) Reed, Olivia Collins, Millie Bragg, Clair Bragg, and Chloe Wright; great-grandchildren, Jaxton Barnes, Tucker Barnes, Hunter Ward, and Colton Reed; sister, Judy (Pino) Armano of Sarasota, FL; and brother, Joe (Julia) Collins of Nokomis, FL;
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Troy Collins; and brothers, Ronnie (Barb) Collins and Bobby Collins.
The family will receive visitors from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, August 22, 2022, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
On Tuesday, August 23, 2022, a funeral service to celebrate Jerry’s life will take place at the funeral home at 10:00 am, preceded by additional visitation from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Pastor Mick Simpkins will be officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marion-Grant County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1921, Marion, IN 46952 or GBS|CIDP Foundation International, www.gbs-cidp.org.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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