Richard George Collins, 81, of Mooresville, N.C., passed from this life into eternal life on Friday, February 17, 2023.

He was born on April 25, 1941, in Tupper Lake, N.Y., to the late Lester F. Collins and Lillian Burris Collins. Richard graduated from Panama Central High School in Panama, N.Y., in 1958. He then joined the U.S. Navy, serving from 1958-1962 as an aviation technician and radio operator. Richard was stationed in Spain and Turkey during the Cold War and participated in the Berlin Airlift in Germany. After his military service, he received a B.S. in Accounting from UNC Charlotte. Richard spent his career working as a financial controller in manufacturing, retiring from Foamex International’s Carpet Division in 2003. In his younger years, after his military service, Richard enjoyed traveling in Europe and the United States.

Later in life, his hobbies included riding his motorcycle, enjoying time on Lake Norman in his sail boat or motor boat, and reading.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his step-mother, Helen Turnell Collins; two brothers, Robert Alfred Collins and James Edward Collins; and a sister, Patricia Collins Taylor Parker.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Gail Thompson Collins of the home; step-daughter, Chanda Leagon McCoy (Brian) of Mooresville; and two stepgrandchildren, Nathan and Braley McCoy of Mooresville. He is also survived by two sisters, Jean Collins Barton (James) of Florida and Susan Collins Norris (Gary) of North Carolina; a step-brother, Dan Dittman of New Mexico; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff of LNRMC and the nurses and staff of Hospice and Palliative Care Lake Norman for the outstanding care Richard received.

No arrangements are scheduled at this time.

Memorials can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the family of Mr. Collins. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.