NATHAN RAY COLLINS

NATHAN RAY COLLINS, 
The Life and Service of Brother Nathan Ray Collins Brother Nathan Ray Collins transitioned this life on March 24, 2021*, at his home in Avon Park, FL. He was born May 16, 1963 in Sebring, FL to the late Barney Sims and Marie Slater Dunn. Shortly after his birth, George and Nancy Collins adopted and raised him as their own from infancy to adulthood as per the wishes and blessings of his birth mother Marie, who continued to play a significant role in his life. Nathan Ray Collins attended Avon Park Public Schools and graduated from Avon Park High School with the inseparable “Family Like” Class of 1982. He was an active member of the “Dukes”. After high school graduation, Brother Collins graduated from Wilford Academy of Hair and Beauty in Tampa, FL, receiving a cosmetology certificate, in 1983. He attended FAMU and was an avid supporter of the university. Ray as he was often called was self-employed as a cosmetologist for several years before finding his true calling in the hospitality industry as an event decorator. He carried out event decorations for wedding receptions, banquets, birthdays, and anniversaries. He worked at a number of the luxury hotels and his hard work paid off when he was promoted to Supervisor for Embassy Suites by Hilton, Tampa USF from 2005-2012. The staff, family and friends encouraged him to start his own business. In 2011, with the help of the Lord, NRC Enterprise was born with him as the CEO. Many in attendance today either worked with or benefited from his services in some capacity from him planning and coordinating some of you all weddings, receptions, meetings, workshops, luncheons and dinners. Brother Collins was raised in a Christian home and introduced to the church at an early age. He attended Antioch Temple Church of God In Christ under the leadership of the late Superintendent Clarence Black throughout his childhood. After attending several churches over the years in Tampa, he finally chose the church family of AGAPE Ministries Church of God In Christ (COGIC) under the honorable Pastor A.L. Wingfield. Brother Collins served the C.O.G.I.C faithfully and with distinction as Ebenezer District Usher Board President and AGAPE Ministries Usher Board President.
He was invaluable in countless church functions on the state level as Vice President and Trainer for the Jurisdiction of Southwestern Florida Church of God In Christ Usher Department and a member of the Jurisdiction Hospitality committee under the leadership of the Late Bishop Matthew Williams. He elevated his level of service and talents to the highest level of the Church serving with the International Usher Department COGIC. Brother Ray was a member of the Hospitality Committee where his expertise was on full display working closely with the Special Events Coordinator in setups and decorations for special events. Ray also had a passion for playing the tambourine throughout church service and was well known for his fashionable appearance. Ray loved his blended family, most notably the Collins, McRae, Sims and Dunn families. Brother Collins along with Mother Collins was known to support families throughout the community during their time of bereavement by offering their support and servitude by attending innumerable funeral services over the years. Many of the relationships Brother Collins fostered with church members, coworkers, friends and classmates evolved into lifelong unbreakable bonds. His social media posts and extensive collection of photographs on Face book have memorialized so many wonderful memories to cherish. Brother Collins became terminally ill in the mid 2000s, but as per the scripture, James 5:14-15, he called on the Elders of the Church. Those Prayer Warriors, including Mother Nancy Collins prayed until a Miracle from God delivered him. Brother Collins would always mention how much of a blessing many of you were to him during this most difficult time. God blessed us with 10 more glorious years with Ray Ray. To God be the Glory. Brother Collins was preceded in death by his adopted parents, George and Nancy Collins; birth parents, Barney Sims and Marie Slater Dunn; brother, Lee Charles Dunn; grandmother, Martha Dennis Slater. Those he leaves to cherish his memory, brother, Jack (Metwyoine) Dunn, Suffolk, VA; sister, Angel Dunn Watson, Tallahassee, FL; sister-in-law, Carla Johnson Dunn, Lake Wales, FL; a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, classmates, co-workers and friends.

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