Turner Lee Collins

On Sunday, December 27, 2020, Turner Lee Collins, Jr., loving husband and father of four, passed away at the age of 78 at U.T. Hospital. He was a resident of Maple Court Senior Living and passed away from complications of COVID-19 and pneumonia. At this moment he sees face to face whom he loved with all his heart. Turner is preceded in death by his parents Turner Lee Collins, Sr. and Lissie Lee Thorpe Collins and brothers, Bill Thorpe, Vincent Collins, and Darrell Collins. He is survived by devoted wife, Rose Marie (Ford) Collins, son, Bennie Collins and wife Darlene, daughters Lesia Wallace and husband Emmett, LeAnn Heidenreich and husband Dale, and Victoria Johnson and husband Jason. Also survived by 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren and by sisters, Carroll Webb, JoAnn Carr, Theresa Massengill, and Louise Collins, and brother Donnie Collins, all of whom he shared very close relationships. Special thank you to sweet family friend, Hannah Woosley. Turner graduated from Bearden High School in 1960 and served in the Army, paratrooper, 82nd Airborne. He was a 32-degree Mason, Beaver Ridge Lodge No. 366. He met the love of his life and married Rose Marie Ford on December 27, 1960. The date of his death was their 60th wedding anniversary. In 1973, Turner was called into ministry to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He served faithfully in that role no matter where he was or who he was with. He loved the Lord and worshiped God with music and song. He was a member of Grace Missionary Baptist Church. While working as Instructor of Heating and Air Condition at Jacksboro Technical School by day, he went to school in the evenings and earned a Master’s Degree in Education from University of Tennessee in 1994. He retired in 2003, but continued to work, co-authoring technical books for the purpose of HVAC certification. Turner, also known as T.C., Uncle J.R., Dad, Papaw, and Big Pa, was above all a friend to all of us. He was a wonderfully loving father and grandfather, a compassionate teacher, and an entertainer. He loved bluegrass music and the folks that played with him. He could play just about any instrument and loved to tell a good story. He will surely be missed by all who knew him. Friends may call at their convenience 9:00am-5:00pm Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel. Family and friends will meet 9:15am Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Highway for a 9:30am committal service. Military honors will be provided by the East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard, P.O. Box 22802 Knoxville, TN 37933. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mynattfh.com