Robert French Collins

Robert French Collins, age 92, passed on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at his home.  Mr. Collins was a native of Bradshaw WV and a veteran of the U.S. Army.  In 1978, he moved to Abingdon and became a member of West Main Baptist Church where the congregation referred to him as “Pops”.  Mr. Collins was a retired coal miner who worked nearly 40 years and retired as a foreman from the CONSOL Buchanan #1 Mine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, French and Rose Beavers Collins; his wife, Edith Proffitt Collins; brother, James Collins and wife Phyllis; sister, Pearl Coleman; son-in-law, Clyde Blankenship; and infant grandson, Robert Allen Boothe.

Mr. Collins is survived by two daughters, Loretta Hughes and husband Kenny of Bristol, VA, and Robin Blankenship of Abingdon, VA; two brothers, Dewey Collins and wife Trula Mae of Martinsville, VA and Teddy Collins and wife Judy of Bluewell, WV; four grandchildren, Amy Baker and husband Shawn, Jeff Hughes, Heather Anglin and husband Brett, and Jessica Bailey and husband Arne; five great grandchildren, Tara McKinney and husband Dustin, Zach Boothe, Hannah Baker, Allen Setser, and Illythia Setser; two great-great grandchildren, Damon McKinney and Zayah McKinney; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation with the family will be held 3-4 p.m. Sunday, January 22, 2023, in the Main Street Location of Farris Funeral Service.  Funeral services will follow at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Willis Osborne officiating.  Committal services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday in Mountain View Cemetery, Bristol, VA.  Military rites will be conducted by Highlands Veterans Honor Guard and the Virginia Army National Guard. 

The family would like to extend special thanks to Mr. Collins’ caretaker, Hope Stevens, for the wonderful care provided to the family.  Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. 

The family of Robert French Collins is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.