David Collins

James David Collins, age 69 of Gallatin TN, passed away May 3, 2021.  David was born May 29, 1951 in Gallatin, TN.  He is preceded in death by his parents, James Herman and Juanita Love Collins.  David is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Carolyn Martin Collins of Gallatin, TN; son, Chris Collins of Gallatin, TN; sisters, Becky Collins of Nashville, TN and Robin Collins Bateman (Tom) of Franklin, TN; nephew, Charlie Bateman of Franklin, TN; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

David was a teacher for 45+ years with the Sumner County Board of Education.  His mentor was B. W. Fussell.  He loved his students and was affectionately known as “Butterfly Man”.  David received the following awards during his teaching career: 1991-Teacher of the Year, 1995-Exemplary Elementary Science Teaching Award, 2005-Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award, 2012-Sumner County Teacher of the Year, 2012-Sumner County K-4 Teacher of the Year, 2012/2013- Sumner County Teacher of the Year, 2016-Good Sports Always Recycle Recognition, 2017/2018-Life Changer Spirit Award Winner.  Also, he was recipient of Outstanding Young Educator and N.S.D.A.R. Award during his career.  He was a member of Hartsville Pike Church of Christ where he served as Deacon and Church Camp Director.

Funeral Service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 7th at Hartsville Pike Church of Christ with Brother Doyle Farris and Brother Brian Jarrett officiating.  Interment will follow in Crestview Memory Gardens with Dr. Tom Hughes, Gregg Pursley, Billy Earl Nolen, Lance Taylor, Jack Erikson, Danny Sullivan and Dr. Brenda Valentine serving as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be Senator Ferrell Haile, Bob Lannom, Dr. Del Phillips and Benny Bills.  Visitation will be at Hartsville Pike Church of Christ on Wednesday, May 5th from 2:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 6th from 2:00-7:00 p.m. and Friday, May 7th from 11:00 a.m. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hartsville Pike Church of Christ Youth & Missions Fund, P.O. Box 36, Gallatin, TN 37066 or Union Elementary Steam School, 516 W. Carson Street, Gallatin, TN 37066.

Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be submitted at alexandergallatin.com.  (615) 502-0011 Obit Line (615) 502-0555