Nathaniel "Big Nate" Collins Sr.

Nathaniel "Big Nate" Collins, Sr. entered into eternal rest at Ochsner Medical Center Main Campus on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at the age of 66. He was a native of Centerville, MS and a resident of New Orleans, LA. As a lifelong sports enthusiast, Nathaniel enjoyed watching and participating in football, track, and baseball. He was a 1975 graduate of Central High School in Liberty, MS, and continued his studies at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA on a football scholarship. In 1979, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education. Nathaniel was employed for many years offshore before he began working for the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, from which he retired after 31 years of dedicated service. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, and attending family reunions. Beloved husband of 41 years to the late Sandra Elaine Hughes Collins. Loving father of Kenneth Collins and the late Nathaniel Collins, Jr. Son of the late Henry Collins, Jr. and Rutha Mae Johnson Collins. Brother of Thelma Turnbull, McClain (Sally), Herbert, Carl, and Calvert (Dr. Sharon Mitchell) Collins, and the late Clifford, Earl, and Will Collins. Son-in-law of the late Joseph, Sr. and Ruth Ella Anderson Hughes. Brother-in-law of Imogene Collins, Gail Hughes, Richard Lloyd (Brenda), Peter (Cisglenda), Vera, and Rodney (Nelda) Hughes, Sr., Evelyn Peterson, Annie Mae Schaeffer, and the late Harold Lloyd, Irma Henry, Rev. Dr. Joseph, Jr., Melvin, Calvin, Henry, Jerry, and Philip Hughes, Sr., Augustine Butler, and Joyce McGinnis. Nathainel is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Relatives and friends of the family, also pastors, officers and members of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and all neighboring churches are invited to attend the Funeral Service at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1509 Monroe Street, Gretna, LA on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 10:00a.m. Pastor Orin D. Grant, Sr., officiating. Visitation will begin at 8:30a.m. until service time at the church. Interment: St Joseph Cemetery-Algiers, LA. Arrangements by Davis Mortuary Service, 230 Monroe St. Gretna, LA. To view and sign the guestbook, please go to www.davismortuaryservice.com. Face Masks Are Recommended.