Dewey Wayne Collins

Mr. Dewey “Wayne” Collins, 83, of Pilot Mountain, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025, at his home. Wayne was born on April 24, 1942, in Cumberland County, to the late George Caviness and Georgia Jones Collins. He dedicated 27 years as a chemist for Lorillard Tobacco Company and proudly served in the United States Army during 1964-1966. Wayne was blessed with a large loving family, including his loving wife, Barbara of 35 years. In his retirement, he raised goats, cattle, and grandkids. And he would say that the grandkids raised him. He spent time on his farm chopping wood and mowing the grass, so his yard always looked immaculate. He loved to travel with his wife and visited all four corners of North America. Summers spent with family at the lake were a favorite. He would load up the boat with kids and chart a course to catch fish that always eluded him. He was also a voracious reader, often reading series of long novels. Ice cream and cookies were his favorite treats, and he spent many evenings in front of the TV with a bowl of vanilla ice cream and cookies dug out from a great hideout enjoying science fiction or fantasy shows. He researched his family genealogy to share the family tree with his kids. Wayne was also quick with a sarcastic remark and hearty laugh. He will be missed dearly by everyone who knew him. Surviving are his wife, Barbara Stewart Collins; a daughter, Julie Merritt Benson (Kelly); three sons, Timothy Ray Merritt (Pam), Jeffrey Wayne Collins, and Brian Matthew Collins (Amalia); four grandchildren, Brett Bennett (Alex), Hannah Creed (Patrick), Orry Benson (Laken), and Luke Merritt (Autumn); five great-grandchildren, Jameson and Grady Bennett, Cade and Emma Creed, and Lorelynn Benson; a nephew, Scott Collins; and a cousin, Elizabeth Lofits. In addition to his parents, Mr. Collins was preceded in death by a grandson, Timothy Andrew Merritt; two brothers, Thomas Collins and Fred Collins; and a nephew, Tom Collins. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Jessup’s Grove Baptist Church, with the Rev. Ethan Hooker officiating. The family will receive friends at 10:30 AM prior to service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Jessup’s Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1367, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041; or Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy has been entrusted with the arrangements.