John Earl Collins

John Earl Collins, 86, of Laurel, died Saturday, May 3, 2014, at his residence.Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at Memory Chapel with burial to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel. Rev. Mike West will officiate.Mr. Collins was retired from Continental Grain (Wayne Farms Poultry) Division and McRae’s Department Store. He has been a life-long farmer raising dairy cattle, quarter horses, sheep, draft horses, and swine. He has always grown large gardens, specializing in the growth of tomatoes, watermelons and cantaloupes. He served on the Jones County Farm Bureau Board of Directors for 64 years in various officer positions and committees, and officer positions on the Board of Directors of Calhoun Waters Association for several decades. He was a founding member and officer of the Jones County Junior Livestock Association for 40 years. He also served as mentor for 4-H and FFA exhibitors participating in both livestock and horse programs. He also served on the Board of Directors for MS Pork Producers for several years. Mr. Collins was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie W. Collins and Clara G. Collins, and wife of 54 years, Opal Collins.Survivors include one brother, Dr. James “Jim” Collins and wife, Jean F. Collins of Saltillo, MS; two daughters, Debra Blue (Mike) of Runaway Bay, Texas and Denise Taylor (Donnie) of Laurel; grandchildren, Chris Blue (Anne) of Ellisville, Camille Riddle (Davis) of Columbia, Brad Blue (Shoma) of Paradise, TX, Jeffrey Blue (Jackie) of Bridgeport, TX, and Brigitte Taylor of Laurel; great grandchildren, Christina Blue and Brittney Blue of Ellisville, Chaz Welborn and Opal Welborn of Laurel, Nicole Blue, Wendy Blue and Audrey Blue of Paradise, TX, and Joseph Riddle and Mary Riddle of Columbia, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.Pallbearers will be Brad Blue, Jeffrey Blue, Chris Blue, Davis Riddle, Michael von Seutter, and Chaz Welborn. Honorary pallbearers will be the Hardee’s Breakfast Group and Grateful Hearts Sunday School Class.Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at Memory Chapel which is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

John Earl Collins

June 16, 1927 - May 3, 2014