Douglas Scott Collins

May 5, 1951 - February 9, 2021

Douglas Scott Collins, 69, of Holly Springs, North Carolina passed away February 9, 2021 at Transitions LifeCare Raleigh, North Carolina. He was born on May 5, 1951 in Muncie, Indiana, to Jack and Rose Mary (Scott) Collins. Doug is survived by his wife of 29 years, Joanne (Battle) Collins, his son, Ryan (Natalie), daughter, Amy, fur baby, Millie, and grand pups, Josie and Theo. He also leaves behind his sister-in-laws Diane Battle and Patty Battle as well as his beloved nieces, Hannah and Alice Mutter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Udell Collins and Rose Mary (Scott) Collins, and brother-in-law, Arty Battle. A proud Hoosier to the core, Doug graduated from Muncie South High School and received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Ball State University. Some may even remember his high school band, the Five Guys. He enjoyed spending time at Lake Webster with family and friends for many years. Ryan and Amy were his pride and joy. He loved nothing more than coaching them in various sports and traveling to their competitions. He continued to be their biggest cheerleader during their college and graduate school experiences. Doug was an animal lover and thought nothing of stopping and rescuing injured or orphaned ones. He passed his love of dogs on to Joanne, Ryan and Amy for which they are forever grateful. The family holds many loving memories of beach vacations at Sanibel Island stooped over shelling together. With the pandemic, Joanne, Ryan, Natalie and Amy were able to spend quality time with Doug throughout his illness. Doug was fortunate to witness Ryan marry the love of his life, Natalie, this past September. Doug never lost his joy of connecting with friends or family, his love of learning or his quirky sense of humor despite his short yet aggressive battle with neuroendocrine cancer. As a history professor, Doug taught us to never forget the past as we embark on the future. This lifelong discipline of his will guide his loved ones forward – not looking back but bringing his love with us to our tomorrows. A private ceremony will be held by the immediate family due to COVID-19 restrictions. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to either charity below. Triangle Beagle Rescue of NC By check: Triangle Beagle Rescue of NC 13200 Strickland Road Suite 114-287 Raleigh, NC 27613 Online via www.tribeagles.org/inhonorof/ PayPal to [email protected] Venmo to @tribeagles Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF) By check: NET Research Foundation 31 St. James Avenue Suite 365 Boston, MA 02116 Online via www.netrf.org/give Additionally, the family wants to thank Transitions Life Care for their respectful and supportive palliative and hospice care. A brick will be placed in Doug’s honor in their Memory Garden.