ATHENS, Ohio — Joe Thomas Collins passed away Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family, at Lancaster Fairfield Medical Center, Lancaster, Ohio. He was the son of the late Tom and Florence Gwinn Collins. Joe was born on July 4, 1937, and lived most of his life in the Pleasant Hill Area in Athens.
Joe attended Shade High School. He was a certified welder with the International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Ironworkers Local 172 in Columbus for 40 years. Joe owned several businesses which included water hauling; a motorcycle dealership that included Norton, Matchless and Bridgestone motorcycles; and a tire shop.
Joe loved to fish and spent many hours fishing with his good friend Claude Cunningham. On Sundays he enjoyed reminiscing over Sunday dinner with his friend Bill Cooley. In his early years he was a member of the Athens Motorcycle Club, where he enjoyed riding in hill climbs, hair scrambles and mud runs.
Joe is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dona France Collins; children Tom (Wainette) Collins and Chris (Sandy) Collins; grandsons Waylon (Becca) Collins and Justin Collins; and great-grandsons Carson and Oliver Collins. He is survived by several cousins in Athens, Kentucky and West Virginia.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; a brother, John “JC” Collins; and a sister, Ola Mae Hunter.
Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, at Bates Cemetery, Athens, with Pastor Debbie Brookins presiding. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Bates Cemetery Association, in care of Patti Brickles, 5759 Pleasant Hill Road, Athens, Ohio 45701. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
