Burl Richard Collins Jr.

Burl Richard Collins, 81, of Lavalette, WV passed away October 6, in Hamlin, WV. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Morris Funeral Home Chapel, Wayne, WV. Burial will follow in Community Memorial Gardens with Masonic Graveside Rites conducted by Wayne No. 18 A.F. & A.M. A son of the late Burl Richard Collins Sr. and Pauline Topping Collins. Richard was born December 12, 1943 in Cove Gap, WV. In addition to his , he was also preceded in death by a brother, Carl. Surviving him are his wife of 60 years, Anna Carolene Pierson Collins; his sons Gregg Collins (Wendy) and Brian Collins (Lora) both of Wayne, WV; his grandchildren Katie (Lucas) and Issac along with his brother Kenneth Collins (Jessie), and sisters Paige Werner, and Joyce Rose, along with a host of nieces and nephews. After graduating from Wayne High School in 1960 at the age of 16, he attended Berea College in Kentucky where he met Carolene and later graduated with a degree in teaching, majoring in English with a minor in Spanish. He later returned to school at Marshall University where he obtained his Masters Degree in Secondary School Administration. Richard was bi-lingual and loved to converse in Spanish any opportunity he had. Richard worked at Novamont, taught English and Spanish, and served as Assistant Principal at Ceredo Kenova High School. Fraternally, Richard was a dedicated member of Wayne Lodge No. 18, A.F. & A.M. In retirement, Richard enjoyed traveling in his RV with Carolene, visiting many places and making great memories. Richard was an expert woodworker who distributed many beautiful works throughout the tristate. A lifelong music lover, he enjoyed playing "gigs" with his band as the spoon player and gave the washboard all he had. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Morris Funeral Home, Wayne.