Posted for Phil and Glenda Collins
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Philip E. Collins, 62, of Batesville passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2006.

He was born on March 7, 1943 in Pfeiffer, Arkansas and was the son of Floyd Collins and Rachel (Wilson) Collins. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business at the Southern Arkansas University in 1971 and a Master’s Degree in Business at Arkansas State University in 1973. He was a retired human resources manager for 25 years and worked for Baldwin Piano Company in Conway, Emerson Electric in Nashville, Arkansas, Pioneer Chainsaw in Canada where he lived for three years, Scotsman Ice Machine Company in Minnesota and Color Tile Manufacturing in Melbourne. Philip was optimistic about everything. He was a family man and loved people. He had the gift of gab and was a story teller. He loved to tell children’s stories. Philip loved a challenge, enjoyed fishing, and was a handyman. Philip was a charter member of the VFW at Desha and was of the Baptist faith.

He was a helicopter crew chief during the Vietnam war and received an air medal (4 gold stars) for 80 missions which took fire in a hot landing zone; a combat action ribbon; the Marine Corps good conduct medal; a national defense unit citation issued by the President to units for exemplary performance in Vietnam; the Vietnam service medal (with 2 bronze stars); the Marine Corps marksman rifle badge and the expert pistol badge. He also received the South Vietnamese Government medals of the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Gallantry Cross and Civil Action Medal.

Philip is survived by his wife, Glenda (Wheeler) Collins of the home; two sons: Patrick Collins and his wife Milinda of Batesville and Paul Collins of Bartlett, Tennessee. He is also survived by one grandchild, Philip Dalton Collins. Other survivors include his two brothers: Darrell Collins of Charlotte and Buster Collins of Pine Bluff and one sister: Mary Lee Collins of West Plains, Missouri.

His aunt, Lois Shelton of West Plains and a special friend, Clifford Nokes of West Plains also survives him.

Pallbearers are Virgil Peel, Michael Collins, Bobby Joe England, Dwayne Dickey, Edwin Thompson and Ray McMinn. Honorary pallbearers are Ralph Palmer, Steve Williams, Bobby Roe Robertson, Leon Aston, Jesse Reynolds and Clifford Nokes.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March, 1 2006 at the Roller-Crouch Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Keith Alexander and Reverend Jim Black officiating.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Egner Cemetery in Salado under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville. (870) 793-4161.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 901 N. University Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72207 or to the Egner Cemetery Association
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He was a helecopter mechanic in HMM-161, MAG-16 1st MAW, FMFPac Oct. 1966 till September 1967 and then transfered to HMM-363, MAG-16, 1st MAW, FMFPac till December 1967. He was then transfered to HMH-461, MAG-26, MCAF, New River, Jax., N.C.