Johnny Lamar Collins, 81, died peacefully at Orlando Regional Medical Center on Monday, October 10, 2022, at 3:02 pm, with his loving wife Sudye of 56 years and his daughters by his side. Lamar was born in Cuthbert, GA, to the late Johnny and Lillie Ruth Collins.
He graduated from Edgewater High School in 1959. He enlisted in the US Army National Guard in 1960, where he honorably served until discharge. He married Sudye Louise Landrum on November 1, 1966, in Orlando, FL., at College Park United Methodist Church, and she survives. Lamar was formerly employed as a journeyman plumber, insurance salesman, and local farmer in Florida. He then worked for Sears Corporation in Florida as a salesman until his retirement in March 2003.
Known to his family as “Papa,” he deeply loved spending time with his family. He and his wife loved to have family visit at their Lakehouse in Georgetown, GA. He was an avid collector of coins and studied his family’s genealogy. All who knew Papa considered him as a “Jack of all trades,” and he could make just about anything work with nothing but his ingenuity, such as using duct tape and pantyhose to replace a broken fan belt. Papa was always ready with a quick joke and never failed to sing Happy Birthday on your special day and then give each one a unique “Papa Hug.” He was a proud supporter of our US Military and Veterans. Lamar will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Survivors include his wife, Sudye; daughters, Staci (Robert) Moore, Dothan, AL. and Lori (Darryl) Harding, Lake Mary, FL, brother Bruce Collins and sister Lynda Heacock, Eustis, FL.; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, son Cory, and daughter Kelly.