Jerry Collins, Sr.

Asheville Jerry Porter Collins, Sr., 74, of 20 Collins Mountain Drive, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at his Holden Beach residence. A native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County, he retired as Owner & Operator of a Vending Machine Company and also was Owner of Collins Mountain Rental Properties. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Blackmer Masonic Lodge #0170 and was a US Army veteran, having served in the Korean War. Mr. Collins was a son of the late Rev. Lewis Collins and Fannie Mae Sams Collins and was the husband of Donna Kay Gasperson Collins who died June 3, 2004. Surviving are his companion and soulmate for 11 years, Ann Pressley of the home; daughter, Debbie Solesby and husband Brian of Marion; son, Jerry Collins, Jr. and wife Renee of Asheville; several grandchildren; one great granddaughter; sister, Betty Goldsmith of Asheville; brothers, Harold Collins and wife Gwen of Asheville and Rev. Jackie Collins and wife Janice of Candler and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 3 PM Wednesday, December 14, 2016 in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home with Rev. Jackie Collins officiating. Burial will be in New Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.