Neal William Collins, 64, died peacefully on April 15, 2015 in the Fort Hunt area. He was with his family, who will honor his memory as a loving and devoted husband and father, mischievous man, and a fun person to be around. Neal was born on February 13, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois to Joyce and Lafayette Collins, who predeceased him. A graduate of Haddonfield High School, New Jersey and Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, he entered the US Army as a logistics officer in the Quartermaster Corps. He retired a Major after 20 years’ service. Neal went on to be employed by Saic, later Leidos Inc., for 20 further years. A genuine entrepreneur, he established and ran the store ‘Out of Africa’ for over 20 years, currently located in Myrtle Beach, SC., specializing in drums and art imported from Africa. He is survived by his wife Jenny, daughter Cliodhna and son Ruarc; children from his former marriage to Jerris Collins, Collette and Shaun, son in law, Neil, and his granddaughter Gwendolyn. He is also survived by his brothers John and David, and sister in law Candy, his Welsh and Irish families and his many friends. His family would like to thank Dr. Christie and the medical staff at Virginia Hospital Center, Dr. Caffey and staff at Novacure, the medical staff at Inova Mt. Vernon, and Dr. Grosh and Dr. Sheehan at University of Virginia Hospital who showed them all great empathy, sympathy, and kindness. In lieu of cards and flowers, please make a donation, in Neal’s name, to Angiosarcoma Awareness, Inc. at www.cureasc.orgA memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. next week, April 22 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 8009 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, with interment at Arlington Cemetery on a date to be determined.
Arlington, VA
-
I worked for Neal for over 3 years at his African art store in Philadelphia, he was a kind and honest man. I share the family;s sorrow.
He will be truly missed, and I will include him in my daily prayers.
I lost contact with Neal in the early 2000, in Philadelphia where I met him. I was new in America, straight from my African land, i search of a new life. He gave me a job a his South street African art store.
He was such a gentle heart. I will never forget his kindness. May God give him eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the great pain.
I will always remember Neal as a creative and dedicated officer/logistician/manager, a dedicated father, one who laughed loud and enjoyed life, was always fun to be around, a frustrating poker player, but mostly as a great and loyal true friend. He will be missed.
Rest in Peace Neal.
Jerris and Mark Ruth
I will always cherish the fun loving memories I was very forunate to have had w this great soul. My heart goes out to the collins family. I love you all and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I too, shall miss Neal. A truly compassionate man who was always considerate of others. Professionally, he was one of the world’s true visionaries; able to look into the future and envision what could be. While he was unconventional in many ways, he never backed away from it and never apologized for it. I applaud him for that.
My heart aches…love, hugs & prayers go out to all the family. Truly a wonderful man, gone way too soon. Love ya, Papa Collins!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jenny and the kids. We
will miss the New Year’s Eve bash’s, Sumer cookouts and rides on the Pontoon. Most of all we will miss Neal’s friendship, as he was a GREAT friend.
Jeff & Julie Fee
God Bless and keep your soul, Neal
Throughout the years Neal wasn’t only a co-worker he was a friend. My continued thoughts and prayers are with Jenny, the children and his family.
God Bless you Neal, you will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Rest in peace my friend.
My heart goes out to Neal’s family, especially his wife and wonderful children! Neal was gregarious and a genuine, caring soul. His legacy is timeless!
I pray for my friend Collette and your entire family, that you may know peace and comfort in your time of loss, and joy in your memories of a full life with a wonderful man.
Prayers for peace in your hearts during this difficult time. We are thinking of you and keeping you all close to our hearts.
I am praying for peace for you and your family. I think of you often Collette!
God Bless Neal and his family. I have known Neal since 1989. So, I have worked with him when we both worked for the Army; Neal as a Military Officer and me as an Army Civilian. Then when we both retired from our first careers, we worked again in the logistics corporate world. Neal always demonstrated a “can-do” attitude and was always a “team player”. We will miss you.
Collins Family my name is Marsha and I wanted to express my sincere condolences on your loss. At times like these I find the scriptures to be a great source of comfort. 2 Cor 1:2-4. May God continue to be with your family.
Collins Family – I was so saddened to recently learn of Neal’s passing. I first met Neal nearly a decade ago at an Association of the US Army AUSA event in Washington, DC. I can still picture the smile on his face from that first meeting. Neal was a fine and honorable man. May peace be with you and your family. – Eric P. Strauss