Edwin Lee Finley Collins

Edwin Lee Finley Collins 84, of Whitney passed from this life on January 21, 2021 in Waco, Texas after a brief illness. A graveside service under the direction of Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors of Whitney will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 25, 2021 at Bethlehem Cemetery his grandson, Bro. Devin Wilkins will be officiating. A visitation will be held from 2-5 pm on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at the funeral home in Whitney.Face Masks and social distancing will  be required.

Ed was born December 21, 1936 in Montgomery, County, Alabama, to Harrison A. Collins and Lizzy Hallmark Collins. He was the7th of a 9 children. Ed and Darlene owned and operated Collins Hitching Post for 35 years, it was the first 24 hour convenience store in Whitney. Mr. Ed as he was known to everyone loved to hunt, fish and visit customers who came into the store. He was always willing to extend credit to those in need, or trade a fishing pole for a tank of gas until payday. He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany from 1955 to 1958. After 30 years, he retired from Ryder Truck Rental as District Manager and he and Darlene moved to Whitney and opened the Hitching Post on the family farm.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 48 years, Gracie Darlene Collins; 3 brothers; 3 sisters;  grandchildren, Judith Ann Collins, Daniel James Bailey; son, Kenneth Tucker; son-in-law Bob Bailey.

Survivors include his children; Douglas Collins, Valley Mills, Holly Collins, Whitney, Edwin Collins, Whitney, Lisa Bailey, Bristol Indiana, Gina and husband Homer Boiles, Whitney, Donna Tucker Mallard, Longview, Steven Tucker; 9 grandsons, 7 granddaughters, and 8 great- grandchildren; brother, Billy Hardin of Douglasville Ga, and a sister Jessie Little of, Glencoe Alabama.