Gene Eldredge Collins, 90, of Evergreen, SC passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023 at McLeod Regional Medical Center.  Gene was born in Florence County, a son of the late Willie M. and Ethel Moore Collins.  He attended Evergreen Elementary School and graduated from McClenaghan High School. He received an undergraduate degree from Wofford.  Gene met the love of his life, Mona, on a blind date, with whom he just celebrated their 65th anniversary together.  He earned his Master's Degree from the University of Alabama, before being enlisted in the US Army having served his country during Korean War.  After serving, he went back to Auburn University to do some post graduate work.  He worked at Moore teaching and serving as Assistant Principal.  After four years, Gene went to work for South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation as a counselor and became the Workshop Supervisor until his retirement.  He was a lifelong member of Tabernacle Church, where he held many offices and served on the Tabernacle Cemetery Committee.  Gene loved fishing, woodworking and gardening.  He also loved traveling with his honey, having been able to visit all 50 states and several countries outside the US.  Gene was a member of the Flintville 158 AFM Lodge.  He greatest joy in life was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchild.

He is preceded in death in addition to his parents by a son, Gregg Edwin Collins, a brother, Willie Collins, Jr., and a nephew, Jackie Earl Collins.

Surviving are his loving wife of 65 years, Mona Robison Collins; two children, Mona C. (Randy) Sechrest and Gary Ellis Collins; three grandchildren, Brandon Ellis (Katherine) Collins, Heather Michelle (Dan Shook) Sechrest and Christian Ellis Collins; one great-grandchild, Lawson James Collins and several very special nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and many other special extended family members.

A funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Monday, August 14, 2023 at Tabernacle Church, directed by Cain Calcutt Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services in the church and following the services in the fellowship hall.

Memorials may be made to the Tabernacle Cemetery Fund or to the Shriner's Children's Hospital.