David Bruce Collins

1946 - 2019

David Bruce Collins, 72, passed away January 11, 2019 after a very brave and courageous 5-year battle with cancer. Son of the late Bruce and Edith Collins, David was born in Henderson, NC and lived in Charlotte with his devoted wife, Linda Dixon Collins. In addition to his beloved wife of 47 years, David is survived by his adoring sister, Lynn Collins; his aunt, Marilyn Collins Wells; and a number of cousins, nephews, grand nieces and nephews. He also had beloved Maltese dogs, Hannah, Chole, and Marissa, who predeceased him.

A 1964 graduate of Myers Park High School, David attended NC State University from 1964-1966. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam Conflict in the US Navy and was stationed in Japan from 1967-1969. He served in the Naval Reserves from 1970-1972. During that time, David worked at Duke Power as a draftsman before enrolling in UNCC, where he earned a B.A. degree in Business Administration in 1974.

David was a manufacturer's representative for 42 years. He used his wisdom and experience not only to be outstanding in his field, but to also be a positive example and mentor to his colleagues, who quickly became lifelong friends. David worked for several companies before he owned and operated his own manufacturer's representative firm, Collins Associates, Inc. During the 25 years that Collins Associates was in operation, David served on many representative councils. His awards list is long as he was a top performer with many companies that he represented through the years. In October 2006, David merged his company with Swanson-Girard & Associates and continued to work with them until his death. David's success was due to his hard work and high degree of honesty and integrity.

David was a life member of Myers Park Baptist Church. He recently served on the Ministry of Facilities Management.

David's love of music, boats, the beach, and travel filled his life with joy, the level of which was contagious to those around him. He was a wonderful and loving husband, brother, brother-in-law, cousin, uncle, and friend.

We wish to thank Dr. Kathryn Mileham and the staff at Levine Cancer Institute for David's outstanding care during his illness. Also, we wish to thank Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region for taking care of David during the final season of his great life.

A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held Friday, January 25, 2019 at 2:00PM at Myers Park Baptist Church, 1900 Queens Rd., Charlotte, NC with a reception following in Heaton Hall.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 7600 Little Ave., Charlotte, NC 28226; USO of NC, 600 Airport Blvd. #200, Morrisville, NC 27560; UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, CB#7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599; or to the charity of your choice.