Raymond Dennis Collins' Obituary
Raymond Dennis Collins, known to everyone as Denny, passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2023, surrounded by family and friend at the age of 75.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1947, Denny grew up just outside Mercersburg, Pennsylvania in what is known locally as Cove Gap. He graduated from James Buchanan High School in 1965 and Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania in 1969, receiving a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Denny was immediately recruited by General Motors in Michigan, and he worked for GM, or subsidiaries thereof, his entire career. His work took him many places in the United States, as well as extended assignments in England, France, and Mexico.
Denny loved to travel with his beloved wife of 46 years, Nancy, and together they explored destinations all over the world. He was an avid Penn State football and Baltimore Orioles baseball fan, and he volunteered his time and talents to several organizations including Junior Achievement, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Flint, Michigan, and Relay for Life of Fort Myers.
After his retirement, Denny and Nancy remained in Michigan, but also built a full and rich life in Fort Myers, Florida. Upon becoming grandparents, Denny and Nancy established a summer home in Lewes, Delaware and made Fort Myers their permanent home.
Denny was preceded in death by his mother Mabel V. Weller of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, his grandparents Margaret and Raymond Weller, and his uncles Roy Weller and Bud Weller, and his aunt, Lois Weller. He is survived by his wife Nancy L. Collins, his daughter and son-in-law April and Dean Betts of Lewes, Delaware, his granddaughters Madeline Betts and Abigail Betts of Lewes, Delaware, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Robert and Pam Pease of Goodrich, Michigan, and many loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends across the country and abroad.
Immediate arrangements will be private.
For those who wish to make charitable donations in Denny's name, the family suggests the Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, 8260 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers, Florida 33908, (www.flcancer.com/location/fort-myers-cancer-center/) and the First Baptist Church of Lewes Building Fund, 1001 Kings Highway, Lewes, Delaware, 19958 (https://www.fbcoflewes.org/).
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