James R. "Buddy" Collins

James R. “Buddy” Collins, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and community servant, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah. Despite battling cancer over the last 4 years, he left this world doing something that brought him great joy ~ “playing on his tractor... making plans for his great grands!”

Born in Candler County, Buddy was the son of the late Rufus “Buck” Collins and Eva Mae Hendrix Collins.  A graduate of Metter High School, he went on to trade school.  Ironically, he chose to study auto paint and body repair, a field that his younger brother, Danny Ray, actually mastered to a fine art.

A Vietnam Army Vet, he loved his country.  He believed in honoring the flag and standing up for our rights.  He wanted to make sure that his children and granchildren had the opportunity to appreciate the rights and privileges of living in a “free world.”

Buddy dedicated his life to his family, community, and faith. A lifelong resident of the Metter / Cobbtown area, he was an active member of Cobbtown Baptist Church congregation, where he served faithfully for many years. Known for his selflessness and devotion, Buddy was a cornerstone of his hometown. He proudly held the role of mayor of the City of Cobbtown for many years and was the oldest and longest-serving member of the Cobbtown Volunteer Fire Department.

Throughout his working life, Buddy made his mark in various roles.  Whether he was counting inmates at the State Prison, traveling around erecting steel structures, or under the hood of a car, he always gave his best and managed to build lasting relationships with most anyone he ever met.  During his years at Tattnall Tire, he earned a reputation as the best in the business, with people traveling from near and far for his expert alignments. After several years of hard and taxing work, he chose to close his family owned business, Buddy’s Service Station, and accepted a position as maintenance supervisor with Collins Elementary / Middle School, which turned out to be perhaps his greatest calling. Affectionately known as “Papa Buddy” or “Uncle Buddy” by schoolchildren far and wide, he convinced many kids to leave the safety of their car seat and venture down to their classrooms.  Buddy was a kind soul who went out of his way to support those in need, and wouldn’t hear of a child going hungry. Whether it was at the lunch room or the ice cream stand, his “tab” was always pretty steep.

Buddy embodied the values of service and dedication. He was a generous and compassionate man who never hesitated to lend a helping hand to those in need, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew him.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Mary Alice Collins Fields, Virginia Ann Collins Hart, and Mary Sue Collins.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Melita Tootle Collins; his loving daughters, Kandy Collins Hunter (Kenny) and Ami Collins Sanders (Boe); his cherished grandchildren, D.J. Sanders, Marina Sanders (Trevor), Sierra Herrington (Matt), Kevin Hunter (Annaleigh), Trevor Hunter (Justus) and Gavin Hunter; his precious great-grandchildren, Mariah Herrington, Isaiah Herrington and Reed Herrington; his brothers, Danny Ray Collins (Debby) and Larry Dean Collins (Betty Jo); his sister, Willette Mock; his sister-in-law, Judy Rowland; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Cobbtown Baptist Church. A funeral service celebrating Buddy’s life will take place on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Cobbtown Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Paul Moore. Interment will follow at Sunlight Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Buddy’s memory by performing a simple act of kindness or supporting a child in need—just as he did throughout his life.

Arrangements are entrusted to Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel.