LELAND — Pastor Bobby Glenn Collins, 54, peacefully passed from this life into the next at his home early Monday morning, Jan. 23, 2017. He was born on Nov. 26, 1962, in Salisbury, N.C., to Johnny and Carolyn Collins.
Bobby’s ever-evolving life was always filled with adventure. Among his many adventures, he served in the U.S. Army, and then later in the U.S. Coast Guard. He also worked for the family business, Mr. Frosty’s, started by his mom and stepdad, Carolyn Collins Carpenter and John Carpenter Sr.
His most important duty, however, was that of becoming a minister in 1992 and then he began pastoring a few years later at Cornerstone Baptist Church on Lanvale Road in Leland. Upon learning of his diagnosis of cancer, Bobby did not let that slow him down. He continued to preach and be full of life. Bobby also spent time enjoying being with his family and doing things that made him happy. He had such a zeal for life, and was always giving God the glory.
Bobby Collins was beloved in many roles, but most importantly as a loving husband and a loving dad. He will be missed by many in the community, but most of all, by his congregation, family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Collins Carpenter; and his biological father, Johnny Collins.
He will be missed by his wife, Elizabeth “Bessie” Collins; son, Jason, and his wife, Tiffani Collins; and son, Charlie Collins, and his fiancé, Ashly Regan. He was the proud grandfather “Gramps” to three beautiful grandchildren, Xander, Olivia and Isaac and proud uncle “Bomp-Bomp” to Lexi, Kiowa and Nevaeh Collins.
He was the oldest of four sons, and, if you asked him, he was “the oldest, best looking, and most intelligent.” He will also be missed by his three remaining brothers, Randy Collins (Patricia), Kelly Carpenter, and John “Jay” Carpenter Jr. (Joy); and stepdad and stepmom, John Carpenter Sr. and Faye Carpenter.
In one of his sermons, Bobby said, “Be joyous in all tribulation.” That is what he would tell us if he were here today. He would also say, “Our loss is heaven’s gain.” The world has lost a great personality and spiritual warrior for God. “To God be the glory.”
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral and Cremation Services.