Mr. Ernest A. Collins, USAFR, age 93, of Lyons, died Friday, July 9, 2021, at Memorial Health in Savannah after a brief illness.  He was a native of Toombs County and lived there until he entered the Army Air Corp in 1945.  He was a Radio Communications Specialist, a veteran of World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam.  During his military career, he was stationed around the world, including Iceland, Finland, Germany, Holland, England, Italy, and Turkey, and retired in 1971 after twenty-six years of service.  Soon after his retirement, he returned to Lyons and worked at Federal Pacific and the Georgia Forestry Commission; and was a volunteer with the New Branch Fire Department.  He was a faithful member of Fairview Baptist Church for more than twenty-eight years and was a former member of Hammond Baptist Church of Lyons.  While at Fairview, he served as deacon, member of Bible Fellowship, Senior Saints, and was part of several other groups in the church.  He was Door Greeter for Sunday and Wednesday services, enjoyed passing out the bulletins and was always early.  He took over the role of sending get well and sympathy cards from the church after his wife passed away.  He was always willing to help in any way he could. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Treadwell Collins; parents, Elzie Collins and Josie Collins; and five siblings, Lillian Shaw, J.D. Collins, Mary Frances Wright, Elton Collins, and Richard Collins.

Survivors include one daughter, Linda Collins Ricks and former husband Keith; one grandson, Ryan K. Ricks, all of Soperton; one brother, Johnny Collins and wife Wanda of the Ohoopee Community; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be Wednesday, July 14th, at 11:00 a.m. in Fairview Baptist Church with Pastor Glenn Russell officiating.  Burial will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens with Military Honors.

The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday morning from 10:00 until just prior to the service.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Baptist Church. 662 North State St., Lyons, GA 30436.