of Jacksonville, AR
August 26, 1942 - August 1, 2019
Dr. Joe B. Collins, 76, of Jacksonville, passed away Thursday, August 1, 2019. He was born to the late Homer Ward and Edyth (Brooks) Collins on August 26, 1942 in Little Rock. He is also preceded in death by his daughter, Lauren Brooke Collins.
Joe grew up in Arkadelphia and graduated from Henderson State university. After college, he joined the United Sates Air Force and went on to attend optometry school in Memphis, Tennessee. He used his gifts to serve others and ran a successful practice in Jacksonville for 54 years.
Joe was an ordained minister and preached in many churches. He always provided encouragement to others around him and used this gift to minister to people everywhere he went, even in parking lots, airports, and stores. Joe was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather (Poppy) who always put his family first. He was the spiritual head and patriarch of his family. He had the best sense of humor that kept everyone laughing and light-hearted. He was a very generous man and always gave to others in so many ways, always without hesitation. To know Joe was to love him, and he will be truly missed. He was called home and now is at peace with his beloved Jesus, who he represented so well on this earth.
Joe is survived by his wife of 42 years, Henny Norton Collins; daughter, Caroline Collins Bishop (Bruce); grandchildren: Lexy Bishop, Will Bishop, Brooke Collins, and Hannah Collins; brother, Don Collins (Elaine); and a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral Service will be 10:30 AM, Friday, August 9, 2019 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd, North Little Rock, AR 72116. Burial to follow at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.
Memorials may be made to CARTI Foundation, C/O North Little Rock, PO Box 55011, Little Rock, AR 72215.
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9 Condolence(s)
Richard Galbraith
Thursday, August 27, 2020
So sorry to hear this. I now live in Birmingham, AL, but grew up in Arkadelphia. Knew Joe well. I have, within the last year, visited with him online about a Little League history in Arkadelphia that I am writing. He played the same time I did.
Richard Dillon
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Joe Collins was a beacon of light to everyone he knew. I have known him for over 18 years and I was always delighted to see him. Although he is where he should be, we left behind will miss him very much.
Bobbie Howard
Thursday, August 8, 2019
How sad we are to learn of Dr Collins passing, I have been a patient of his since the 70’s I considered him a friend not just my optometrist and always looked forward to our visits!! He was always a wealth of information on every subject and we took whatever advice he had to offer. He is going to be so missed by so many!! Truly part of the greatest generation! We will be praying for Henny and his family to make it thru this difficult transition!
Don G. Williams
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Since meeting Joe at Henderson in 1962 I have considered him among my few best friends. Even though we were often separated by time and distance I kept him in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Joe was a most humble man, who carried Jesus with him daily, and did not share his problems easily. Though Joe and I had each other on speed dial for many years as prayer and problem partners, I now know that I was the weaker end of that see-saw; it was I who most often called and was most often blessed by our contacts.
Now that Joe has gone on ahead of me, I rejoice at having had such a true and powerful Christian friend. I rejoice at having known such a true and powerful representative of Christ Jesus upon this earth. I rejoice at having had so true and powerful example of Christian life before me that I must strive harder to emulate, though I know I will fall short.
I know that when my time comes to follow Joe to Christ’s court, that Joe will take time to greet me with Mespa, that the Lord has watched between he and I. Henny, meanwhile, you are in my prayers daily. I have lost a spouse through death and know what struggles may wait you. Call upon our Lord, your family, and friends for healing prayer. People will easily forget the depth and endurance of your pain. God will be faithful.
John & Jean Armstrong
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
No words can describe you and your Family's feeling of loss at this time. Please know that our hearts go out to all of you for you are loved.
Uncle John and Aunt Jean
Kay trenthem
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Sending my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Hope to see you soon Henny. Take care of yourself.
Rhonda Cissell Speck
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
My deepest condolences Henny and family.
Love and prayers!!ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»
Debby Borkowski
Monday, August 5, 2019
May God be with you. My heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow.
Cathy M. King
Monday, August 5, 2019
My deepest condolences to the Collins family’s loss of a dear one. May God comfort you with His peace and comfort as only He can do.