BERT COLLINS was born in Austin, Texas to the late James Kirk Collins and Aldonia Edmondson Collins. He departed this earthly life on Saturday, January 28, 2023, surrounded by his loving family and caregivers.
Bert was educated in the public schools of Austin, Texas and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Huston-Tillotson College, Austin, Texas; Master of Business degree from the University of Detroit, Detroit, Michigan and Juris Doctor degree from the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law, Durham, North Carolina. Bert was a Certified Public Accountant and Licensed Attorney. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and the National Association of Guardsmen. He joined North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1970 serving in various positions rising to the level of President and Chief Executive Officer and retiring as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He served on numerous corporate, civic, fraternal and governmental boards including serving on the NCCU Board of Trustees, the Raleigh Durham Airport Authority, UDI, AAA of the Carolinas, Durham Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International, UNC Board of Governors and Durham Technical Community College. He also served as an associate Professor at NCCU in 1974.
He is survived and cherished by his loving wife of 68 years, Carolyn; his children: Suane A. Collins of Greenbrae, CA; Carolyn E. “Brandy” Collins of Durham, NC and Bert E. Collins (Neena) of Garner, NC; one grandson, Collin R. Suggs (Vicky) of Portland OR and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Public viewing will be held at Dafford Funeral Home- Angier, Friday, February 3, 2023, from 2PM-6PM. MASKS ARE REQUIRED.
A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at NCCU Campus: HM Michaux Jr. School of Education Auditorium, Durham, Saturday, February 4, 2023 @ 11AM, following the guidelines of the facility for entrance and capacity.
Interment will follow in the Beechwood Cemetery, Durham @ 2:30PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Bert and Carolyn B. Collins endowment fund at North Carolina Central University Foundation, Inc.; Post Office Box 52466, Durham, NC 27717.
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