Benjamin Kenneth Collins

Benjamin Kenneth Collins, 79, of Saluda, died Wednesday, July 17, 2013, at his residence.

Born on August 30, 1933, in Hillsborough, NC, he was a son of the late Guy Garner and Blanche Lou Frederick Collins. He served in Germany as a Russian linguist in the US Air Force from 1956-1960 and was a graduate of the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. He was a entrepreneur who owned several convenience stores. He made many contributions to the community, which include serving as a founding member of the Orange County Medical Foundation and serving on the Orange County School Board.

Mr. Collins is survived by daughters, Cathy Collins (Peter) Jacob of Wilmington, NC, Juli Collins (Marvin) Riley of Burlington, NC and Lisa Collins (Craig) Leonard of Raleigh, NC; sisters, Carolyn Collins Cromer and Peggy Collins Murphy both of Newberry and Faye Collins Hicks of Hillsborough, NC; grandchildren, Benjamin Jacob, Jessica Jacob, Emily Leonard, Thomas Jacob, Abraham Leonard, Thomas Wright, Jr. and Adam Riley and two great-grandchildren.. He was predeceased by a son, Benjamin “Kemo” Collins II; brothers, Fred Collins and Billy Collins; and Doris Sanders Collins.

The family held  a private memorial service.

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