Timothy "Tim" Harrison Collins

Timothy “Tim” Harrison Collins, also known by many as “Coach,” passed away Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home surrounded by his loving family. Born May 1, 1959, to the late Raymond and Treva Younger Collins. Tim was born and raised in Mount Airy. After graduating from North Surry High School with the class of 1977, he attended Western Carolina University, graduating in 1981 cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and as member of Pi Lambda Phi fraternity. Returning home, Tim started his teaching and coaching career at Mt. Airy Jr. High in the fall of 1981. He then, in 1984 went on to teach and coach at South Stokes until finally coming back to his alma mater, North Surry. There he coached football, baseball, and started and led the Fellowship of Christian Students. He came out of retirement briefly to teach at Surry Early College, and then to coach baseball Millennium for one season. He ended up as assistant coach of the Surry Community College baseball team for 3 years, until 2016, when he was named head coach. He served as head coach from 2016 until July 2025, when he decided to step down, due to his battle with esophageal cancer. Tim’s true passion was baseball and cultivating a friendship and mentorship with his players. During his years at SCC, he taught his athletes what it was to become not only better at baseball, but better men; that winning is great but a strong belief in God, having fun playing ball, sportsmanship, and self-respect were more important. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Donna Gawarecki Collins; sons and daughter-in-law, Jonathan Raymond Collins and Mary, and Timothy “Harrison” Collins II; granddaughters, Alyssa Faith Collins and Kayla Marie Hyde; great granddaughter, Madison Marie Phillips; sister and brother-in-law, Frances Edwards and Jack; sisters-in-law, Barbara Gawarecki, Jennifer Deaton, and Sandra Ritter and Darrin; brother-in-law, William “Martin” Gawarecki and Lisa; as well as, 7 nieces; 5 nephews; 5 great nieces; 5 great nephews; 2 great-great nieces; and 1 great-great nephew. Along with his parents, Tim is preceded in death by a sister, Joy Helms; niece, Christi Butler; and in-laws, John and Nancy Gawarecki. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Community Baptist Church with Rev. Grey Williams, Rev. Davis Smith, and Rev. Brad Quesinberry officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Community Baptist Church. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery. A reception will be held following all services in the church fellowship hall for friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Special Olympics Surry County at 228 Country Home Road, Dobson, NC 27017. Moody-Davis Funeral Service in Dobson, NC is serving the Collins family.