James Reese Collins

James Reese Collins, age 79, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 20, 2018 at UNC Rex Healthcare. Mr. Collins was born in Lumberton, NC to the late Burnie Fulton Collins, Sr., and Louise Reese Collins. He grew up in Raleigh, graduated from NC State University, and worked as a Systems Analyst for IBM in Raleigh and Florida. He also worked for Unisys Corporation in Alabama prior to retirement and returning to Raleigh. In his early years, Mr. Collins was a member of Temple Baptist Church before moving out of state. He had a wonderful bass singing voice and enjoyed being in choirs. As a young adult, he ran track, played guitar and trombone, and was in the NC National Guard marching band. He loved golf, running, lifting weights, and even spent hours at the gym until just a few weeks before his passing. Most of all Mr. Collins enjoyed being with his family. He cherished going to dinner and a movie and would always exclaim “It’s good to be with you guys!” In the past several months, he was happiest while playing with his new grandson, Nathan. Surviving are two sons, David R. Collins and Brian W. Collins of Raleigh, a daughter, Brittany C. Marshall and her husband Zack, one grandson, Nathaniel J. Marshall of Wake Forest, and the mother of his children, Dehlia (Dee) Miller Collins. Also surviving are a brother, Rev. Jerry Collins and his wife Shawn of Arkansas. Mr. Collins is predeceased by his brother Burnie F. Collins, Jr. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 24, at 1:00 p.m. at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, April 23, from 6:30 until 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Imago Dei Church missions (www.idcraleigh.com), or a faith family or charity of one’s choice.