by: eric reutebuch
We are sad to report the loss of one of our AWW family of volunteer monitors, Mr. Gary Collins from Talladega, Alabama. Gary passed away the morning of Friday, October 9th, 2015 on his way to work on his motorcycle when someone pulled out in front of him.
Gary lived on Lake Logan Martin with his beloved horses and Shelties. He was always quick to help out neighbors, especially anything electrical and anything involving his tractor. He was a collector of lunch boxes and old gas pumps. He also restored cars.
Gary visited his mother in Oxford at the nursing home 2-3 times a week. He stepped up to the plate to protect his beloved lake by getting trained by Alabama Water Watch and becoming a volunteer water monitor. He monitored a site on Choccolocco Creek, a major tributary flowing into Lake Logan Martin, combining water monitoring with trips to visit is mother. Gary was 60 years old. He is survived by his mother, one son, and two grandchildren.
“Gary was such a sweet person! He helped me for over a year now test the waters of Choccolocco Creek with Alabama Water Watch each month. He went out of his way to come to my house and drive our old Polaris to the creek to do this in all kinds of weather. He was gracious, kind, friendly and always talked about his mama ~ a good man ~ he loved his dogs dearly! He will be missed! I will miss his laughter”
Judy Roberts, Oxford, Alabama
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Sad news!!! Godspeed from the AWW Board. We pray for healing and stand by as any family should.
Rest in Peace.
This was a very nice tribute. I did not know Gary, but he definitely sounded like a good person who made a difference in the world around him. RIP
This neighborhood will always have a HUGE void that was once filled with Gary Collins. He was a great friend, a wonderful neighbor and a delight to all who knew him . His smile was contagious and he was never too busy to lend a hand to anyone who needed him . He loved living on the lake and he loved life . He will be surely missed by all of us … Lakeview Homeowners Association
Gary was a very likable, friendly and kind person and my neighbor. The last time I talked to him he was towing my Boat in. Rest in peace my friend
We will miss our neighbor, Gary Collins. He was quick with a smile and quick to help others. I only wish I had taken the time to know him better.
I am proud to call Gary my friend. He lived next door to us and was more than a neighbor. I miss so many things about Gary it is hard to list them. He had a heart of gold and took such good care of his mother and pets. I took this picture of him one afternoon while he, my husband Ron Grimmett and I were out for a cruise. It was one of his favorite things to do. This lake will not be the same without him.