Obituary of Edward Hickman Collins

Edward Hickman Collins, 94, of Sylacauga, AL passed away on Thursday, April 03, 2025. A funeral ceremony will be held in his honor at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 05, 2025 at Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega with Cliff Goodwin officiating. His family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow directly after the service at Pine Hill Memorial Park. Mr. Collins was born in Sylacauga on May 12, 1930 to Earl and Eunice Collins. He enjoyed his youth alongside his brothers, Jimmy, Red, and Ray, and was affectionately known as “Bubba” in his younger years. He graduated from Sylacauga High School in 1948 with the honor of Valedictorian. Mr. Collins also went on to graduate from Alabama Polytechnic Institute—now known as Auburn University—in 1952 with a Bachelor of Pharmacy. One year later he married his beloved wife of 59 years, Betty Joyce Moss Collins. Following Betty's death, he was married to Zel Copeland until her death in 2023. After graduation, he took a position at Henderson Drug Company in Talladega where he eventually became the owner for approximately 30 years. He continued his work as a pharmacist up until the age of 80 years old. In 1965, he obeyed the gospel and eventually served as an elder at Talladega Church of Christ for many years. Most recently, he worshipped at Ironaton Church of Christ where his son currently serves as an elder. Mr. Collins loved to tinker with electronics and gardening. He lived a good and full life. He is survived by his sons, Steve Collins (Kris), Brad Collins (Tricia) and Mark Collins (Suzanne); grandchildren, Matt (Katie), Katie (Austin), Julie (Joey), Melissa, Kim, and Ben (Keelie); great-grandchildren, Case, Rio, Aiden, Grace, Daisy, and Evie, and brothers, Red and Ray. Mr. Collins’s sons and grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com. Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing the services.