Richard “Sonny Boy” Collins

Richard Allen “Sonny Boy” Collins, 84, passed away on Monday at Wake Med Raleigh after sustaining a sudden stroke one week prior. A native of Harnett County, Sonny Boy was the son of the late Dallas F. Collins, Sr. and Beulah Stephenson Collins. Born and raised in Angier, Sonny knew his way around the farm and spent a lot of time on his tractor. A true cowboy at heart, he earned a living driving trucks and working in a machine shop. Anything he tried his hand at, he mastered, excelling at water skiing, archery, gun smithing and woodworking. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do. His love for Bluegrass music led to a passion in building musical instruments later in life. He spent his weekends looking for bargains and rare finds at the Raleigh Flea Market. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Doris Gilliam Collins; daughters, Kim Collins, Marcia Aldridge; granddaughter, Maggie Barnhill; great-granddaughter, Lakiah Barnhill; sisters, Linda Lou Lawrence, Betty Sue Upchurch and Peggy Ann Johnson. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by sisters, Sarah Weis, Inez Stephenson, Malissie Tripp, Bertha Pleasant, Mary Gilliam, Velma Myatt; brothers, Dallas Collins, Jr., Jimmy Collins, Colon Collins and Clarence Collins. A funeral service will be held Friday, September 20 at 1:00 PM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Chapel, Angier. Burial will follow at Angier Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 6:00 — 8:00 PM.