Leonard Collins

Born August 13, 1931, former Cottage Grove resident, Leonard Laverne Collins, 89, of Brighton, TN went to be with the Lord on February 28, 2021 at his residence.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, William Macon and Bertha Lorraine Collins; his beloved wife, Alberta Helene Collins; his son William Laverne Collins; his grandson, Jerry Leonard Wiesner; and many other family members.

Leonard leaves behind his three daughters, Lynne Anne Oakman (Robert) of Munford, TN, Sharon Wiesner (Jerry) of Brighton, TN and Terri Cheshier of Savannah, GA; and he is survived by one sister.  He also leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Samantha Summey (Jamie), Bobby Oakman, Billy Oakman, Tony Giannini (Kelly) and Blake Cheshier (Brooke); 5 great grandchildren, Haley Henderson, Piper Cheshier, Charlee Giannini, Hunter Summey (Kristen), and Cameron Summey; and 1 great-great grandson, Gage.

Leonard served his country in the US Navy, US Army, US Air Force and the Tennessee National Guard and was a Korean War veteran.  Upon his honorable discharge from the military, Leonard, among other jobs, became an over-the-road truck driver, eventually retiring from Plumley Companies in the mid 90’s.

Leonard and Al (as he lovingly called his wife) were married October 2, 1951 in Maine where he was stationed.  They met at a diner where Al was a waitress and Leonard frequented. It took them 3 different times before they finally worked up the nerve to go on that first date!

Leonard loved to grow a vegetable garden, go fishing at Kentucky Lake (whether the fish were biting or not), and he loved good music and dancing, especially with Al, and he loved his wildlife, especially his hummingbirds.  He was also a long-time member of Oak Hill Union Church.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral home.  Leonard requested to be cremated and buried with Alberta in the Oak Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leonard’s memory to the American Cancer Society, or US veteran organizations, such as the Wounded Warrior Project.