Thomas Ray Collins Sr.

Thomas R. Collins Sr. of Wittman, MD died suddenly on April 30th, 2007 at his winter home in Ft. Myers, FL. His 73 years of shared life and experiences will be remembered by many here on earth as he begins his new journey. Born in Philadelphia, PA on August 7, 1933, he was the only son of the late Thomas F. and Mary P. Hall Collins. After many years as a young man with ties to the midshore, he brought his family to St. Michaels, MD from Philadelphia in 1968 for a pursuit of the happiness of shore living. He always fondly remembered his days as a waterman and the joy of participation in the community. An ever vigilant worker, his love for crabbing and fishing led to a path as a boat builder and all things shore related. Tom supplemented his primary interest as an eastern shoreman by successfully pursuing self employment as sole proprietor of the T.R. Collins Tile Co. which operated for well over 20 years and provided many customers with some of the finest craftsmanship in the area. Tom provided four years of service in the United States Air Force beginning in 1950. He respected and honored all of his memberships in many local community clubs and organizations, including the BPO Easton Elks Lodge 620 of Easton, MD, the Easton Moose Lodge 1520, and participation as social member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars particularly at the posts in Ft Myers, FL and Easton, MD. He is survived by his loving wife and soul mate, Kay Collins. Tom and Kay have pursued many joyful and exciting interests in recent years, not the least of which is sharing the joy of family and friends gathering in love and friendship. Tom is survived by one son, Thomas R. Collins Jr. of Mason City, IA and two daughters, Debra L. Hill of Hurlock, MD and Doreen Collins of St. Michaels. His soul is carried forward by eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Those surviving in his memory include his second family of four sons and one daughter, Craig Pommert of Greensboro, NC, Charles (Chip) Pommert of Chester, VA, Curtis Pommert of Midlothian, VA, Cory Pommert of Sarasota, FL, Carla Cherry of Charlottesville, VA and an additional seven grandchildren. Tom was preceded in triumph when widowed by his beloved first wife, Dolores G. Collins in 1996, his daughter Patti Ann Harrison in 1993, and son Joseph R. Collins in 1965. There are an uncountable number of friends and relatives who the family would like to recognize, and we regret that it cannot be done here. Tom’s devotion to living life to the fullest has touched all who knew him. We are grateful his spirit will live with us forever and guide our friendships into the future. For those who wish to honor Tom, a visitation with family and friends will be held from 2 PM to 4 PM on Sunday May 6th at Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Easton, MD. A ceremony of remembrance will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday May 7th at the Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Easton,MD, followed by interment at Spring Hill Cemetery, Easton, MD.

Thomas Ray Collins Sr.

April 30, 2007