Edward Collins

LAKELAND -- Through the fundraising efforts of Mr. Edward C. Collins of Lakeland, the congregation of North Lakeland Presbyterian Church moved out of a funeral home chapel and into its own fellowship hall.Mr. Collins died of cancer Monday (Aug. 14, 2006). He was 66.Born Oct. 24, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Mr. Collins moved to Lakeland from there in 1980.Mr. Collins owned a real estate brokering company. After being named Realtor of the Year in 1987, he opened a Century 21 Pilot Realty franchise, said his wife, Gladys Collins of Lakeland.As a member of Leadership Lakeland and the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Collins was asked to serve on the board of directors of VISTE and Good Shepherd Hospice. He also served on the Traviss Career Center's advisory board.Mr. Collins' work as chairman of the Capital Campaign Board of North Lakeland Presbyterian Church allowed the church to collect the necessary funds to build its own meeting hall."It was quite an undertaking because he had to call and ask people to make pledges," his wife said.The congregation had meetings in the chapel of Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home. On Easter Sunday 1996 they were able to move into their first building.Mr. Collins also taught Sunday school at the church.Mr. Collins was a member of the Florida and National Association of Realtors. He served as president of the Lakeland Association of Realtors. He served in the Air Force.Mr. Collins is survived by his wife, Gladys Collins; son, Gregory Collins, Lakeland; daughter, Susan Wools, Lakeland; sister, Mae Baklarz, Bedford, Pa.; and five grandchildren.Services will be 2 p.m. Friday at North Lakeland Presbyterian Church.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to North Lakeland Presbyterian Church, 6725 Socrum Loop Road, Lakeland, FL 33809; or Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Ave., Auburndale, FL 33823. Gentry-Morrison Northside Chapel.