Tony Esmer Collins, Sr.

Tony Esmer Collins, Sr., 77, of Marion, passed away at his residence on Friday, July 24, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Tony was born in Dalton, Georgia on July 11, 1949 to the late Esmer Ed Collins and Irene Massingill Roberts.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Tony was a faithful member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Glen Alpine where he served as a deacon. He loved the Lord and his church family. He worked as a truck driver for over fifty years and enjoyed trips from coast to coast. An accomplished guitarist, Tony loved singing and making music. He was also an avid fisherman.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Brenda Collins, Edna Harper, and Patsy Howard, and two nephews, Lamar Bennett and Robert Ingram.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 58 years, Jackie Collins; two children, Tony Collins, Jr. (Jennifer) and Christy King (Tim); five grandchildren, Samantha Esque, Kaylyn Effler, Cheyenne White, Brittany Collins, and Tony Collins, III; twelve great-grandchildren and one on the way; four sisters, Mary Cunningham, Betty Collins, Carolyn Bryson (Randall), and Diane Howard (Mark); and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. at Faith Missionary Baptist Church located at 1731 US 70 in Morganton. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the church with Pastors Terry Robinson and TJ Smith officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.