Townson-Rose Funeral Home

Obituary for James Elmer Collins


03/22/1939 - 01/05/2018


James Elmer Collins, age 78 of Murphy, NC passed away Friday, January 5, 2018 at his residence.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, NC. James was the son of the late Elmer and Jean Haney Collins. He was a US Army veteran. James worked for Lockheed Martin in Oak Ridge, TN. He received recognition for fabricating the silent propellers for the Sea Wolfe US Submarine. James was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a MOPAR enthusiast.

He is survived by his wife, Melba Collins; daughters, Debbie Collins Smith and husband Mickey of Murphy and Terri Collins Cobb and husband Mike of Wesley Chapel, FL; sister, Nola Hemphill of Blairsville, GA; five grandchildren, Cameron Smith and wife Nicole of Ball Ground, GA, Ben Smith of Murphy and Joshua, Hannah and Daniel Cobb of Wesley Chapel, FL; great-grandchildren, Reagan and Paige Smith.

A memorial service will be held at 6 pm, Monday, January 8, 2018 at the Mt. Liberty Baptist Church. Rev. Zach Orton will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 4-6 pm, Monday, January 8, 2018 at the Mt. Liberty Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mt. Liberty Baptist Church Building Fund, 1700 Old Murphy Road, Murphy, NC 28906.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.


You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com


Veteran