Robert S. Collins

October 10, 1946 - September 19, 2016

Obituary For Robert S. Collins

“Keep love in your heart”

This is not only the advice that Bobby Collins conveyed to any who cared to listen, but also the cornerstone of his life. Able to see the beauty in all things and people, Bobby taught us all how to strive for happiness by appreciating the good things that surround all of us and by tending to the meaningful details that make a house a home, an acquaintance a friend, and a life fulfilled.

He took this approach with his work and with his relationships. As a builder, he avoided cheap supplies and cookieÂcutter plans in favor of durable materials and thoughtful design. As a patriarch, he had aspirations for his loved ones but never let those interfere with his attention to each individual word, gesture, and emotion. He would stop the earth’s rotation to listen to the quietest member of a crowd and thus taught us all the power of consensus and the power of the moment.

After sharing a life full of love, Bobby passed on September 19th surrounded by the family he adored.

Carrying on the legacy of Bobby is his wife of 27 years, Cindy Collins; his children, Carrie Collins Zande (husband Pat), Robert S. Collins III (wife Mary Holt), Abigail and Julia; his brothers Danny (wife Alice) and David; his grandchildren, Dominic Zande, Hobbs and Holt Collins, the members of his wife’s family whom he embraced as his own, Mary Erazim, Ken Fread (wife Laura),brotherÂinÂlaw, Rex Lindaman, Monty Fread (wife Sue) , Lori Gould (husband Todd) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Bobby was preceded in death by his father and mother, Robert and Bertha Collins; brotherÂinÂlaw, John Erazim; sisterÂinÂlaw, Kathryn Lindaman; and mother and fatherÂinÂlaw, Ella and Russell Fread. A “Celebration of his Life” will be held on Sunday, September 25th at 3:00 p.m. at The Garden on Millbrook, 2400 E Millbrook Rd., Raleigh, NC 27604. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Bobby, the family requests that a donation be made to Duke Health in support of interstitial lung disease research (fund #391Â0088): Duke Health Development, ℅ Morgan Pope, 710 W. Main Street, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27701 or via the website www.gifts.duke.edu/daa.

Services

TBD

Cemetery

Historic Oakwood Cemetery 701 Oakwood Ave Raleigh, NC 27601 Get Directions »

25 Sep

Celebration of Life Service

03:00 PM

The Garden on Millbrook 2400 E. Millbrook Rd. Raleigh, NC 27604 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

W Jack Bostrom

Worked as a consultant with Bob during his formative home-building years, and realized then that he was "one-of-a-kind" in our industry! Everything he did was impeccable, even down to the choice of business stationery and associated stamps. He built a quality product, and enjoyed life. He will be missed. W. Jack Bostrom Raleigh/Wilmington, NC
September 01, 2020

ciff zinner

A gentleman builder. A example for me and all of us in the industry. A leader by deed and example. A mentor and friend. A kind and thoughtful soul. A interspective and perspective man, who was open to all opinions and thoughts but firm in his own convictions. I will miss your guidance and just knowing that you are there. Cliff
September 01, 2020

dorisandgeorgemargosian

In 2002 we moved from NY to NC for retirement and were fortunate to become neighbors of the Collins family,we have been blessed knowing them all these years.Seeing Abigail and Julia grow into such wonderful young ladies. George enjoyed his "chats" with Bobby when they saw each other in the yard. Cindy is always willing to help if needed. We will MISS you Bobby. Doris and George Margosian.
September 01, 2020

Warren Williams

Carrie and Robert, 20 years ago, your dad opened your home to Brandon and me for a stay during a two week transition before Carrie and I became roommates. I will never forget the invitation from your dad after realizing we had been "crashing" for a couple of days. "Stay as long as you need to stay." A kind and understanding gesture from a man who made the world a better place. My thoughts are with you all. Warren Williams
September 01, 2020

Mary Ammons

Bobby will be deeply missed. What a special man with the kindest sole! We are thinking of you Cindy and your dear family. Rusty, Mary & Amanda Ammons
September 01, 2020

Brian "Coach" Greenwood

Carrie, Robert, Cindy, Pat, Mary Holt, and the rest of Bobbys extended family, please know that we are thinking about you and sending our heartfelt sympathy across the miles during this time of both grieving for loss and celebrating Bobbys life. Bobby had a way about him that made people feel comfortable and welcome in his presence. Genuine, warm, caring and possessing a love for family and friends are the characteristics that immediately come to mind in thinking about Bobby. And, that legacy lives on in his amazing children and family.
September 01, 2020

Horace Curry

I have wonderful memories with Bobby when we were very young . Bobby was so helpful in researching our Collins Family tree. I will miss that great smile and his eagerness to help.
September 01, 2020

Arthur Curry

To one of my dearest friends. we worked together 52 years ago (for a period of time) Never had a cross word between us. How time flies, but I will never forget the good times we had telling funny stories, I never will forget his laughter. We both said our relationship was more than friends---more like brothers. Arthur Curry