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Jerry Collins Obituary
Mr. Collins passed away in his sleep the morning of Wednesday, October 29, 2008. Born in Columbia, he was one of four children born to the late Eugene and Nellie Collins. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Columbia. His life centered on his love for his wife Sandra and three daughters, Laurie, Mandy and Laura. He and his family remained very close all his life with his brothers, Gene and Larry, sharing his love.
Jerry owned and operated Jerry Kelly’s, one of the more successful restaurants in Columbia for 31 years. Before that he was part of the design and construction team that developed Downunder Columbia, an underground complex of successful restaurants off of Main Street in downtown Columbia. He retired from the restaurant business but not his work as a farmer. He enjoyed raising beef cattle and baling hay. He devoted most of his time to the farm in Wagener and his beach house in Surfside Beach. No matter where he was, he was usually surrounded by some of his many friends who appreciated his love for life, hunting and fishing.
An avid hunter, Jerry made the SC record book for one of the largest deer racks ever bagged in South Carolina. He will be missed by his best friend, Junior, his squirrel dog and Shed, his labrador retriever. He won the Sportsman of the Year Award from the Surfside Pier Float Fisherman Association last year. He routinely fished from the pier when visiting their home in Surfside. He was a member of the Fairview Hunt Club and Dark Horseman Club.
Surviving are his loving wife, Sandra Collins, three daughters, Laurie Collins Stuckey of Columbia, Mandy Addy (Chris) of Gilbert, and Laura Thomason (Brian) of Pelion; seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; his brothers, Gene and Barbara Collins of St. Petersburg, FL, and Larry and Marilyn Collins of Winnsboro, SC; and several nieces and nephews. Jerry was predeceased by his father and mother, Eugene Collins, Sr. and Nellie Collins.
Memorials may be made to Regency Hospices, 1611 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
www.thompsonsfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Collins
Scott Caudill
August 18, 2009
Mr. Collins taught me a lot about hunting and fishing but he also taught me much about sitting back and taking it easy. Mr. C helped me build a wood replica of a plantation house that earned me an A in the class project and my professor's admiration- I am still very grateful. On many occasions we sat in his boat in the back yard and cast our fishing poles with just our weights, relaxing all the while. Mr. C was a good guy whom I was glad to pray for. This belated comment comes as I only heard about his passing yesterday. I am sorry for y'alls loss.
Blessings and Life in Jesus.
Scott
Andie Robinson
November 14, 2008
Always great times with the Collins family! My dad loved Jerry so much; as we all did! I love to hear their stories about hunting & fishing, and times at the farm. Truely good people are a rare find these days-We are so thankful for you all! God Bless!
All my Love, Andie
FRIENDS FOREVER ~ Jerry, Sandra, Jimmy and FayeJ
November 13, 2008
Jerry with his BEST friends~Junior and Shed
November 13, 2008
Jerry and Sandra
November 13, 2008
Dave & Pat Grooms
November 12, 2008
Nov 12 and just got this news. Jerry and Sandra, you saw me through some of my sad times whether you knew it or not. I have a great love for you both. I miss Jerry's late night catfish stews and I still fix his Mojo's as a regular meal at home(thinking of him each time).
For a man with such a quiet, unselfish demeanor, he has left an explosive mark on this world. Jerry, I am glad you were my friend!
To the whole Collins family -brothers, daughters(Lori, Laura, Mandy), Grandchildren and nephew Gene, Mama Collns and especially Sandra - I share your sadness..
Love
Dave Grooms
Melba (Pechilis) Thomas
November 11, 2008
I knew Jimmy, along with so many other of my brother, Nick's friends. Life is too short for some of us. May God bless!
Dresden Mckoy
November 11, 2008
I send my condolences to the Collins family on the loss of your love one. May you draw comfort from our creator Jehovah God, and his word the bible. A scripture that will help you; Psalms 55:22
Lynn and Nick Pechilis
November 8, 2008
Sandra and girls, it has been a long time and for some unknown reason I looked at the internet today 11/8. I called Nick at work and told him about Jerry. We had not heard. Time passes too fast. Oh, for our good times. Nick will always love Jerry and the other guys. We will say a little prayer for all. Take care.
Newell Crawford
November 5, 2008
Sandra to you, I know you have lost your best bud. But you were always his best friend and all of us that knew & loved him know how very special you were to him. Thank you for your gift to our buddy. It has been a while since we have been together but I have a speciel place in my heart for Jerry Collins. He was always a great friend.
Jerry and brother Gene
November 4, 2008
November 4, 2008
Mandy & Laura & families,
I was sorry to hear about your dad.
My prayers are with you.
Annette Capilos
Shaun Palyok
November 4, 2008
I have enjoyed knowing you and your family for years. God bless and you will be missed.
Shaun Palyok
BILLY, JIM, DOLPH, CADCO INC
November 3, 2008
THANK YOU FOR THE HOT FOOD
AND KINDNESS THRU THE YEARS.....
BLESSINGS TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY
Greg Prewitt
November 3, 2008
Many great days were I spent there with wonderful food and conversation. He will surely be missed.
harry walsh
November 2, 2008
jerry
all of your old friends will miss you forever, i will never forget the fried
rattle snake you fixed.
Angie Allen
November 1, 2008
Momma C, Mandy, Laura, & Laurie - I can't tell you how sorry I was to hear about Jerry. I have so many memories of the fun I had with you - you were my second family for a long time. I hope you can all find comfort knowing that you have a very special guardian angel looking down on you. Jerry was a wonderful person, and he will be missed by everyone. My love and deepest sympathies to you all...
Mike Anderson
November 1, 2008
I was a regular when Jerry and Sandy first opened. Back then the only food was a "Boneless Chicken Dinner", otherwise known as a pickled boiled egg. They later added strips of bell pepper to the jar and it became a "Boneless Chicken Dinner with Salad".
Always fun, both Jerry and Sandy were a wonderful love story and my heart goes out for Sandy.
We've lost a one-of-a kind in Jerry's passing. Prayers are lifted up for him, his family, and friends.
Myra Dean Summers
November 1, 2008
Jerry Kellys was such a huge part of my life in my 20"s.The memories are all wonderful thanks to the Collins family. I am so sorry for your loss Sandra and the girls. You will be in my prayers.
Walter Maxwell
November 1, 2008
Jerry,
You still owe me a beer. Good laughs and memories!
One of your Horseman brothers for always!
Walter (Bird Shot) Maxwell
Bud Skidmore
October 31, 2008
I know I speak for all the SC ETV family in extending our sympathy to you. For many years lunch at Jerry Kelly's was an important part of my life.
Wes Rabon
October 31, 2008
You will be missed.
bernard bigby
October 31, 2008
dark horsemen never die...
thanks for the memories brother,
bernard bigby
"stay, just a little bit longer"
maurice williams and the zodiacs
Jack Philips
October 31, 2008
Gene, I am so sorry. God bless you and your whole family.
Regency Hospice
October 31, 2008
Regency Hospice send to all of you our prayer during this time of breavement. May God's peace rest on and in all of you.
Linda Belton,
Bereavement Coordinator
Tommy Brantley
October 31, 2008
Old Buddy,
I sure will miss you but I will always have the adventures.
JanieLee Hunter
October 31, 2008
Blessings to the family. We will miss you.
Kaye Keefe Mullinax
October 31, 2008
I feel so lucky to have been one of Jerry's "adopted girls." I bet he and Joe Mo (and all the other coaches, too) are having one heck of a reunion. My love to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tony & Debbie Gamble
October 31, 2008
Sandra, Debbie and my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Jerry always had a smile on his face and was in a good mood, we were always running into each other down on the Bluff. I watched him build Jerry Kelly's with his own hands. He will be turly missed!
Bobby Drummond
October 31, 2008
Sandra and family, I express my deepest condolences on the loss of Jerry. I have nothing but fond memories of many evenings spent hanging out at the restaurant. I will always remember Jerry as a kind, laid back man that will be greatly missed.
Dana Bruce
October 31, 2008
Working for Jerry and his wife at the restaurant was a joy. Even though my time there was short, I always felt like family. I am keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Crystal Creel
October 31, 2008
Sandra, Laura, Mandy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all through this diffcult time. Sandra, Laura, Mandy if there is anything we can do just give us a call, we are a phone call a way day or night. We love you all and you will continue to be in our prayers.
Bubba Beckham
October 31, 2008
Thanks for all the fun memories.
Sheree Rabon
October 31, 2008
My prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Hold tight to your memories and remember he is in your heart...He was a wonderful man. I am glad I had the pleasure of knowing him....Love to all of you
Rhonda Poole
October 31, 2008
Ms. Sandra,
Words cannot express the loss we will feel now. You know I loved Mr. Jerry and always, no matter what the circumstance, looked forward to seeing his smiling face. It made me feel so good that he knew I would always try to take care of him. He always joked around with us at the office, and I will surely miss him. He always had that hug and grin as we parted ways. Always know that I am here for you and that I love you very much.
Tracy Caraway
October 31, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Donna Spires
October 31, 2008
Sandra and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about Jerry. He was always so much fun when he came to the market. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Lauren Croxton
October 31, 2008
Jerry, we love you and will miss you.
Enjoy the Great Hunt before you.
Sandra, we know you have lost
your soulmate, your friend, your partner.
We have you in our hearts and prayers always.
love,
Lauren, Meaghan & Katie Rae
Karla & Garry Comer
October 30, 2008
We will miss Jerry. We always had such a great time when he was down at the beach. WE loved fishing with him, We are sorry to see him go, but he is now at peace and out of pain. I hope he knows how much we loved him and that we will watch over Sandra.
The Staff of Thompson Funeral Home
October 31, 2008
Offering our deepest sympathies at this time.
Kathy Comer Flowers
October 30, 2008
Jerry you will be so sadly missed by everyone in Surfside Beach. You were like a brother to all and had a wonderful gift of loving, laughing and caring for all you did. You have gone to make your maker and I know he will rid you of all your pain. Please know we will all take care of your loving Sandra for she as well is a part of our family.
The Staff of Thompson Funeral Home
October 30, 2008
Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.
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