Raymond Collins, son of the late William Augustus Collins and the late Beatrice Ambrose Collins, born December 2, 1931, in Conway, S.C., went home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, September 19, 2010. He was a 1954 graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill College of Business. While there, he joined Sigma Chi fraternity and was a ROTC member. After advancing to the rank of First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, he joined the family business, The Collins Company department store chain, managing several stores throughout the Carolinas and then later becoming company president in 1970 until 1982. From the mid-1980's, Mr. Collins has been a commercial real estate developer as head of Collins Enterprises. He was a proud member of Sons of Confederate Veterans. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Judith Pearson Collins; four sons, Lewis Alan (Margaret Anne), William Bruce (Belinda), Raymond Davis, Jr. (Linda), Stephen Michael; two daughters, Susan Collins Weddington (John), Leigh Collins Hennessey (Ted); twelve grandchildren; and two brothers, William A., Jr., and Charles Andrew (Rita). Preceding him in death were Edwin, Richard, Tommy, and David - his beloved brothers. Mr. Collins had many wonderful people in his life, but two are very special, brother/friend Howard C. Seawell, Jr.; and long-time physician/friend, W. Tyson Bennett - both always there for him. In lieu of flowers, be pleased to honor Mr. Collins and the Lord with your donation to Bible Broadcasting Network, P.O. Box 7300, Charlotte, NC 28241 or The Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800. Published in The Sun News on September 28, 2010