Robert E. Collins Sr., 92, a native of Dothan and a longtime resident of Fairhope, died Monday, Aug. 31, 2009 at Mercy Medical Hospice Hospital.
Prior to moving to Fairhope, he built a successful, international seafood empire in Tampa, Fla., where he pioneered the first vegetable and seafood freezing processes in America. In addition to being a keen businessman, he was an avid gardener, and cook and delighted neighbors and friends with the good-eats from his garden and kitchen.
Survivors include two sons, the Rev. Phillip E. Collins (partner James R. Gozon) of New York and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Robert E. Collins Jr. of Fairhope; three grandchildren, Shane, Joy and Bronwyn Collins, step-granddaughter, Candice Robertson; numerous nephews, nieces, nine grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
He wished no funeral nor memorial service. At a future date there will be a celebration party for caregivers.
The family requests memorial donations be made to Mercy Medical, P.O. 1090, Daphne, Al. 36526.
Arrangements are by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Fairhope.
